CHRISTIANS: If atheists have no morality because of their lack of belief in the christian god? (REPOST)?

Atheists and people of 'other' beliefs are people who, whether they like it or not, have the law of God written on their hearts (Rom. 2:15). They are subject to the same laws of our country (and other countries) and they have a sense of right and wrong. They often work with people who are religious and have ethical standards as well as non-believers who are don't. So they are exposed to all sorts of moral behavior. In addition, they often form their own moral standards based on what suits them. Besides, robbery, lying, stealing, etc., can get you imprisoned, so it is practical and logical for an atheist to be ethical and work within the norms of social behavior. How ever you want to look at it, atheists, generally, are honest, hardworking people.

Nevertheless, some Christians raise the question, "What is to prevent an atheist from murdering and stealing? After all, they have no fear of God and no absolute moral code." The answer is simple: Atheists are capable of governing their own moral behavior and getting along in society the same as anyone else.

At the risk of labeling the atheist as self-centered, it does not serve the best interests of an atheist to murder and steal since it would not take long before he was imprisoned and/or killed for his actions. Basically, society will only put up with so much if it is to function smoothly. So, if an atheist wants to get along and have a nice life, murdering and stealing won't accomplish it. It makes sense for him to be honest, work hard, pay his bills, and get along with others. Basically, he has to adopt a set of ethics common to society in order to do that. Belief in God is not a requirement for ethical behavior or an enjoyable life.

On the other hand

Atheists' morals are not absolute. They do not have a set of moral laws from an absolute God by which right and wrong are judged. But, they do live in societies that have legal systems with a codified set of laws. This would be the closest thing to moral absolutes for atheists. However, since the legal system changes the morals in a society can still change and their morals along with it. At best, these codified morals are "temporary absolutes." In one century abortion is wrong. In another, it is right. So, if we ask if it is or isn't it right, the atheist can only tell us his opinion.

If there is a God, killing the unborn is wrong. If there is no God, then who cares? If it serves the best interest of society and the individual, then kill. This can be likened to something I call, "experimental ethics." In other words, whatever works best is right. Society experiments with ethical behavior to determine which set of rules works best for it. Hopefully, these experiments lead to better and better moral behavior. But, as we see by looking into society, this isn't the case: crime is on the rise.

There are potential dangers in this kind of self-established/experimental ethical system. If a totalitarian political system is instituted and a mandate is issued to kill all dissenters, or Christians, or mentally ill, what is to prevent the atheist from joining forces with the majority system and support the killings? It serves his self-interests, so why not? Morality becomes a standard of convenience, not absolutes.

But, to be fair, just because someone has an absolute ethical system based on the Bible, there is no guarantee that he will not also join forces in doing what is wrong. People are often very inconsistent. But the issue here is the basis of moral beliefs and how they affect behavior. That is why belief systems are so important and absolutes are so necessary. If morals are relative, then behavior will be too. That can be dangerous if everyone starts doing right in his own eyes. A boat adrift without an anchor will eventual crash into the rocks.

The Bible teaches love, patience, and seeking the welfare of others even when it might harm the Christian. In contrast, the atheists' presuppositions must be constantly changing, and subjective and does not demand love, patience, and the welfare of others. Instead, since the great majority of atheists are evolutionists, their morality, like evolution is the product of purely natural and random processes that become self serving.

Basically, the atheist cannot claim any moral absolutes at all. To an atheist, ethics must be variable and evolving. This could be good or bad. But, given human nature being what it is, I'll opt for the moral absolutes -- based on God's word -- and not on the subjective and changing morals that atheism offers.

The northern European countries are atheistic in nature. The Buddhist countries are atheistic. Morality and Christianity are not synonymous. Morality is not synonymous with any one religion. Morality has little to do with the acceptance of one religion as the best or right religion. Morality is simply doing good things. Things that benefit others. Things that make the world better. Jesus was at his best when he taught morality, as was Mohamed. When religion becomes fascist in nature it loses it's morality. Atheists are often moralists/humanists. So when people jugdge atheists as immoral they are confusing morality with religious doctrine. Some of the most peaceful and loving countries, e.g. Bhutan Thailand, Japan, Denmark, Sweden, Norway are generally atheistic or agnostic. While other atheistic countries like North Korea are fascist. Simply put: People with religion and people without religion may be immoral or moral. Spread love and kindness. Dom

Morality, although important, is not the main focus of Christianity. Most likely the majority of people are moral by society's standards regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof, out of respect for their fellow creatures. Christianity is about accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior and living eternally with God. "For God So Loved The World That He Gave His Only Begotten Son That Whosoever Believeth In Him Should Not Perish But Have Everlasting Life". John 3:16. If you believe in Jesus in this sense then you believe that God sacrificed His Son to shed His blood on the cross so that your sins could be absolved.

I'm a Christian and I don't think Christians have cornered the market on morals. Anyone can have morals and ethics based on their ideas of right and wrong. The ideas of right and wrong can come from a religion or from a non-believer equally.

It's just that some Christian's have a strict idea of the morals and ethics necessary to be who God wants us to be. Not all Christians think atheists are uncivilized pagans.

Morals and religion seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly. However, I must be misenterpreting your question because it seems like you are saying that people of all other religions besides Christianity are void of morals. So are you saying that Jews (insert other religions here) lack all morals? You need to restate your question before you can get the answer you want to hear. Yes, this is coming from a believer.

I am a christian and I do believe that even atheists can be moral I know many who are athiests , who live a moral good life . Which I might add would be even better with God in their lives , but they are still nice moral people

I know you said to skip the question, but I think to tar all Aetheists as "immoral" is a bit too far, and is certainly NOT a Christian point of view. Please don't be so harsh, as it will only take you further away from your God.

The Samaritan was not a Christian, but was praised by Jesus, remember.

Also: Jesus did say that you shouldn't "cast the first stone", as you are not without sin yourself, so perhaps you shouldn't judge others with your leading question.

I am a friendly person, not sure of his faith, but your question does nothing to endere me to Christianity. Perhaps you should rephrase it again. Did you mean:-

"Does Christianity lead to a different morality than non-believers have?"

I was going to mention that atheists don't have a belief in any God, not just Christian. I don't believe that we Christians have a lock on morality as is evidenced by some of the so-called Christians who frequent this site.

I've met some atheists with better morals than some Christians I know. Christianity doesn't necessarily equal morality.

i'm a christian in the broad sense of the word and i believe atheists have morals, I just disagree on the premise of subjective vs. an absolute objective moral standard

is that fudge or oatmeal?