Poll: Atheist Morality

[WayOutThere]

Its a common argument that morality does not exist without God. I'm an atheist and I very much don't buy into this. But what do you think fellow Escapistians?

 

[Neonbob]

Sigh.
Morality is mostly up to an individual, and is also influenced by the society they live in.
There you go.

I also think a thread with any tie to religion is fated to end poorly.

 

[Katherine Kerensky]

Morality doesn't need a god to exist.
It only needs a set of guide-lines and virtues for the perciever to hold onto.

 

[Kilaknux]

Christ, yes (Irony). I have never been religious, my parents never instructed me like that, and I still care incredibly for every living creature on earth. Almost to the point where I'd be willing to die for pretty much anyone. I've also been described by my parents police officer friend as incorruptable.

 

[T3h Merc]

Morality does exist no matter what. Their are Morals for many things. Religion has morals and serial killers have morals. Athiest have moral but they tend to be more lax.

 

[Radeonx]

Sigh.
Morality is mostly up to an individual, and is also influenced by the society they live in.
There you go.

I also think a thread with any tie to religion is fated to end poorly.

Essentially this. Morals are based on people, not religion. Although, I'm Atheist and have very little morals, mostly indifference. And religion threads are a no-no!

 

[MusicalFreedom]

it's really scary when someone says that it's God that stops them killing other people, what happens if they become atheist?!?! i am so worried

 

[barryween]

I have high morals and never go against them and I am atheist, so no, morals have nothing to do with god (usually).

 

[LorChan]

I agree with you. We shouldn't need a god to intimidate us to take the high ground. That's one of the reasons I'm an atheist.

 

[Jedoro]

Dammit, didn't read the poll question well enough. Change one of them "no's" to a yes.

Anywho, morality comes with how you were raised and how your society is, it's not dependent on whether you have a God to believe in, or what kind he/she is.

 

[A random person]

Humans create morals, I don't think I need to say more.

Also, religion threads don't usually end well.

 

[Bored Tomatoe]

I believe that morals are subjective, and become outdated after only a century or two, and sometimes even less, and therefore I don't really mean very much. I also don't believe in a god, but even when I still did, I thought the whole concept of everyone following a set of morals written thousands of years ago was just plain silly, but that only applies to people who take every word of their respective holy book to be literal. Short version: I disagree with elaborate and specific moral values, and lean more towards the "don't be a dick" method.

 

[Mavand]

Sigh.
Morality is mostly up to an individual, and is also influenced by the society they live in.
There you go.

I also think a thread with any tie to religion is fated to end poorly.

I couldn't put it better myself.

 

[Radeonx]

I believe that morals are subjective, and become outdated after only a century or two, and sometimes even less, and therefore I don't really mean very much. I also don't believe in a god, but even when I still did, I thought the whole concept of everyone following a set of morals written thousands of years ago was just plain silly, but that only applies to people who take every word of their respective holy book to be literal. Short version: I disagree with elaborate and specific moral values, and lean more towards the "don't be a dick" method.

You are correct. The "Don't be a dick" method is, in my opinion, the best morals anyone could have. Because, from my experience, the world doesn't care how nice you are, as long as you aren't derogatory towards them.

 

[Lonan]

Compassion is far more important than living by a bunch of useless ideals. The immoral use morality to defend themselves against truly moral people. If all the really moral people in the world were taught to fight, and that fighting is good, stupids would be shoved aside and nerds would rule the universe! Morality is really just a way to control people. Without it, there would certainly be conflict, but there would also be truth. Eventually the strongest would survive, and progress would be made. The world would be a better place.

I still remember by biology teacher saying that one of the biggest issues with modern society is that natural selection has effectively been eliminated. He then refered to the movie "Assholes 2" (I think was the name) and said "Should a guy who sticks his dick through a hole with a snake in it and waves it around so it will bite him reproduce? No." Pure Awesome right there. People who follow words like the Ten Commandments for their morality are idiots. And why should I be moral anyway? If you want someone to do something, don't force it on them. It will just create resentment.

 

[Mad Maniac with axe-firing chainsaw]

These religionists telling me I don't have a moral code?

My moral code extends as far as two basic rules:

1: Always minimise the harm done to others in your actions.
2: Always maximise the benefits to others in your actions.

I don't really need a more complicated code. Obviously my philosophy is more complicated than that but I don't need a religion to tell me that it's wrong to hurt someone, mentally, physically or financially. Equally, if I have an opportunity to help someone I should obviously help someone.

 

[Julianking93]

Its weird when people only do good things out of fear that they will go to hell or that God will bring wrath down upon you or some bullshit like that.

Morals are subjective. Just don't be an asshole, thats the best moral anyone could have. It still amazes me that people take things that where written thousands of years ago seriously.

 

[Ezekel]

The question is not can an atheist live a moral life or adopt a moral world view. The question is can they say why that life ought to be lived in comparison to a non moral one.