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Don't wonder about those who are good without god ...

#god
snytiger6 9 Dec 19
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5 comments

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2

Good is a very subjective and easily equivocated term

Good can mean proficient
but can also mean adequate
Good can mean not evil
but can also mean strictly pragmatic
Good can mean nourishing
but can also mean intoxicating
Good can mean fun
but can also mean stoic
Good can mean just
but can also mean merciful
Good can mean high quality
but can also mean cheap but profitable
Good can mean moral
but can also mean hedonistic
Good can mean lovely
but can also mean lusty

In point of fact good can almost always function as its own antonym or near antonym depending on the circumstances
But especially when GOD enters in to the equation

Is something good because it is what god commands be done
Or is something good because it is what god does and that which god does is necessarily good?

3

A lot of them have their god, but still have a hard time being "good." I raised my kids in an atheist home, we taught values to our kids because it was the right thing to do, nothing having to do with going to church or believing in god/s. Our religious friends and relatives were very worried about how our kids would turn out.

In the meantime, over the years, several kids of those religious folks ended up getting in trouble with the law, drugs, teenage pregnancy, etc., none of which our kids got involved with.

So, all these years later, I've heard (from my kids) that those parents wished they had been able to tell me that I did a good job raising my kids. I admit to a silent smug smile when I heard that, but also sadness those relatives stole so much happiness from my kids when they were little, all because they didn't want to have anything to do with kids who were raised atheist/agnostic.

4

Yes, some need god to be good. They get upset sometimes too and accuse us of cherry picking the OT and using lots of verses out of context. Supposedly their Jesus came along in the NT and made some things in the OT no longer valid.

6

And wonder with horror those who need god to allow them to be sinners and to do their evil, under the guarantee that they will be forgiven and let back into the fold with some simple lip service simulating an apology.

I truly believe that was one of the factors that promoted Christianity to become so prevalent. How many other religions allow you to commit atrocities and, just by the simple act of saying "yes, I now accept god and seek forgiveness", your trip to heaven is back on track.

5

Except that they aren't good. How good can one be to lie to others and yourself? How good is it to betray your country and seek to establish fascism?

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