Are Atheists “good” people?

[Jimmy_B]

Are Atheists “good” people?

Is possible to be an Atheist, reject God and be a “good” person?

In other words, can one who reject’s God, truly be “nice” or be a “good” person”?

Do people who reject God go to Heaven?

Atheists do not believe in Heaven…do they?

“Good” people go to heaven…. right?

Do Atheist go to Heaven?

Your thoughts?

 

[TriuneUnity]

Are Atheists “good” people?

Is possible to be an Atheist, reject God and be a “good” person?

In other words, can one who reject’s God, truly be “nice” or be a “good” person”?

Do people who reject God go to Heaven?

Atheists do not believe in Heaven…do they?

“Good” people go to heaven…. right?

Do Atheist go to Heaven?

Your thoughts?

I voted no. Though atheists may be good from a human, civil perspective, in an eternal perspective, that is, from God’s…they are children of wrath whose every work is condemned.

 

[ralphinal]

I am not sure how to answer this one. Yes, an atheist can be honest, helpful, polite, and kind. An atheist can be willing to help the poor, care for those in need, and all that. An atheist can live by a moral code, not lie, not steal, not cheat on his wife. I guess that an atheist can be a good person.

THat does not mean that they all are. They are people and are therefore sinners.

I guess that some will be in heaven, but I doubt that most will.

 

[tGette]

Depends on what you mean by “good”…

What I am curious of is…
Are there Atheists who believe in waiting until marriage to have sex?
Are there Atheists who think it is wrong to masturbate?

Basically…do Atheists have a moral guideline?
And where do they draw this line?
Who draws the line?

Do Atheists believe in morality?
Is so…(as above)…is this just a relative term?

If it is a relative term…can it really be considered morality?

 

[cathopologist]

Is possible to be an Atheist, reject God and be a “good” person?

Yes.

In other words, can one who reject’s God, truly be “nice” or be a “good” person”?

Yes and No.

Do people who reject God go to Heaven?

If you were a Believer and you reject God (later in life), then No.

Atheists do not believe in Heaven…do they?

No. They “believe” when they die, they will be absorbed into the darkness - state of nothingness.

“Good” people go to heaven…. right?

Anyone can claim to be “good”. Especially those who think they are good.

Do Atheist go to Heaven?

The answer is the same as “Atheists do not believe in Heaven…do they?” question.

 

[rtconstant]

I voted yes thought the question is really posed in a way that’s almost imposible to answer correctly. Are Atheists good people sometimes, sometime they’re not. Just like anyone else.

I used to know a girl who was essentially an atheist. She however, had a very strong moral compass. She even enjoyed Christian literature and religion as she thought it taught good values. Honestly she was probably the most honest and ethical person that I’ve ever met. She taught me a lot about assumptions and people.

Of course I’ve also known Atheists who just seemed like angry jerks who really only cared about trying to insult and drag everyone down to the same miserable existances they lived in.

Now if we’re talking about the fate of the immortal souls then I can’t speak to that. I leave that in the hands of God, who I intrust justice to, as he is not blinded by assumption and prejudice. I trust Him to do what is right with all people, and I pray for all souls including my own will find their rest in Him.

 

[cheese_sdc]

Are Atheists “good” people?

Is possible to be an Atheist, reject God and be a “good” person?

In other words, can one who reject’s God, truly be “nice” or be a “good” person”?

Yes.

Do people who reject God go to Heaven?

Who knows?

 

[RC_Matt]

Depends on what you mean by “good”…

What I am curious of is…
Are there Atheists who believe in waiting until marriage to have sex?
Are there Atheists who think it is wrong to masturbate?

Basically…do Atheists have a moral guideline?
And where do they draw this line?
Who draws the line?

Do Atheists believe in morality?
Is so…(as above)…is this just a relative term?

If it is a relative term…can it really be considered morality?

That’s kind of like asking “are Germans (or any other large indeterminate group of individuals) good people.” The answer is yes, and no.

I’ve know some “secular humanists” who deny the existence of God, but live highly exemplary lives and are walking examples of what Christ taught vis-a-vis deportment and loving one’s neighbor. These people should fall into the category of “implicit Christians” and be ok. Even common sense tells you that much.

I’ve also known a couple of atheists who, in my opinion, are truly bad people; like the worst people I’ve ever known. I obviously don’t know what’ll happen to them, but they’re certainly not implicit Christians.

 

[Jimmy_B]

… Are Atheists good people sometimes, sometime they’re not. Just like anyone else…

Hello rtconstant, thank you for your post.

Atheism is a constant state, until that is, one ceases to be Atheist …a constant state, where a person is constantly rejecting God…Rejecting God is a sin, therefore, Atheists are living in a constant state of sin…correct?

Your thoughts?

 

[Dauphin]

Of course not.

Atheists, objectively speaking, don’t believe in “goodness”. Goodness is a concept which can only be objectively grounded in the highest and sovereign good, which is God.

 

[Jimmy_B]

General Observation -

Unfortunately, today, with the rise of *Relativism, *the concept of “right and wrong” and “good and bad” has changed. One person’s definition of “nice” can be much different from another person’s definition.

Today, for many, whether or not a person is “nice” or “not nice” seems to be subjective. When we as individuals, begin to second-guess God; or when we appoint ourselves as the deciders (Judges) of that which is right or wrong; or when we, as individual make subjective decisions on the issues of faith and morals and our decisions, or our opinions are contrary to God’s laws….we, at that point, break God’s laws.

Today, it is almost as if the world has been turned upside down, where the Good Guys are demonized and the Bad Guys are glorified.

Many people today, seem to be more interested in pleasing other people, than they do, in pleasing God and that’s why many people today, no matter how despicable their behavior or beliefs are….can find a “friend”…. who will think that they are “nice”.

Am I wrong? Your Thoughts?

 

[TriuneUnity]

General Observation -

Unfortunately, today, with the rise of *Relativism, *the concept of “right and wrong” and “good and bad” has changed. One person’s definition of “nice” can be much different from another person’s definition.

Today, for many, whether or not a person is “nice” or “not nice” seems to be subjective. When we as individuals, begin to second-guess God; or when we appoint ourselves as the deciders (Judges) of that which is right or wrong; or when we, as individual make subjective decisions on the issues of faith and morals and our decisions, or our opinions are contrary to God’s laws….we, at that point, break God’s laws.

---

Today, it is almost as if the world has been turned upside down, where the Good Guys are demonized and the Bad Guys are glorified. People today seem to be more interested in pleasing other people, than they do in pleasing God and that’s why many people today, no matter how despicable their behavior or beliefs are….can find a “friend”…. who will think that they are “nice”.

---

Am I wrong? Your Thoughts?

You’re right on target commander Skywalker.

 

[yellowbird]

“Good” people go to heaven…. right?
]

People don’t go to heaven because they are “good.” They go to heaven because, by the grace and mercy of God, they have been forgiven.

Will God grant forgiveness to those who reject Him? I don’t know… that’s for Him to decide.

I feel so sorry for atheists… I can’t imagine living my life without knowing that He is there for me.

 

[wanner47]

One of my favorite books is Jane of Lantern Hill by L.M. Montgomery. In that book, the character Andrew Stuart says, “If someone doesn’t like the Bible, there’s either something wrong with him or the way he was introduced to it.”

That’s how I feel about those who claim to be atheists. I think most of them are simply ignorant of the true nature of God, or have been introduced to it in such a way that they are rejecting a strawman and not God.

True, there are some atheists who, I think, know what they are rejecting, and more’s the pity.

But I think the vast majority aren’t malicious, just confused. And many do try to live good lives even if they don’t understand why, or have the wrong idea about why they’re doing so.

 

[eucharisteo]

Jimmy B, let me tell you what a bishop told me…copy and pasting…

The bottom line is this: only God knows who is saved. For it is a pure gift from him. Your deceased relatives are judged from their knowledge and what did they do in relationship with their conscience. God knows the heart of each one and the true intention. Our role is to proclaim that Jesus is the only Savior and that he has established the Church for our salvation. We have to be faithful to what God has told us. We leave others to be faithful to what they knew in their heart that God wanted them to do or not do.

He also gave me CCC 1260
God has blessed me with several clergy friends. This Bishop is the the ordinary of one of my friends, a diocesan priest. He’s truly the most awesome Bishop I’ve ever know or seen in action…live. He preaches like a Protestant mega church preacher…pastor. It’s a gift. I asked this question regarding whether or not non-Catholics were saved because I was semi raised in an SSPX type atmosphere with my dad and that really confused me so much that at one point I broke. I’d imagine that this applies to atheists as well. Though I’d really hate to be one on the final judgement day. Not a good place to be.

 

[Cinette]

Aha! I like your reasoning.

You said: Firstly the bible tells us there are no good people explicitly. I have given this a lot of thought because I married into a family that didn’t believe in God and they were ALL VERY GOOD PEOPLE - my husband and his parents.

I then discovered “implicit faith” and it made so much sense.

Goodness only comes from God. So I asked myself how then can they be good and not believe in God. They led Christian lives. They loved one another and they loved their neighbour and they did good. My mom-in-law was a tremendous networker and she helped so many people. Both her and her husband were devoted to each other and to others! My husband has always been a loving and faithful husband - goodlooking, humourous, intelligent… what more could I ask for.

After a long journey he is today a daily communicant and agrees with me if his parents were still alive they too would believe. You see, circumstances can affect one’s belief and they lived under fascism where the Church was in cohoots! Long story.

Please consider implicit faith. I have also mentioned the husband of a parishioner who is athiest but who defends the Church vigorously - he says that no other institution has done more for humanity than the Catholic Church. He tries but does not believe. He attends all the talks at the Jesuit Centre and really tries… Only God knows why.

I do believe we will come across Athiests in heaven - of course, by that time they will have known the truth.

We must not judge - we must pray instead. :byzsoc:

 

[Cinette]

Of course not.

Atheists, objectively speaking, don’t believe in “goodness”. Goodness is a concept which can only be objectively grounded in the highest and sovereign good, which is God.

Do you believe that Athiests are capable of sacrificial love?

I have known communists who went to jail and suffered in solitary confinement for their cause. Of course they were wrong but there are cases when people who live under a harsh regime mistakenly think that communism is the answer. Of course in theory they may have a point.

These people sacrifice themselves and are courageous. They risk their lives and are bold and kind.

Again, let us not judge - just pray for them

 

[AnAtheist]

A stupid question when expecting a yes or no answer.

You should judge people by their deeds not their beliefs. Read your bible, Mt. 7:20.

 

[Jimmy_B]

Jimmy B, let me tell you what a bishop told me…copy and pasting…

He also gave me CCC 1260
God has blessed me with several clergy friends. This Bishop is the the ordinary of one of my friends, a diocesan priest. He’s truly the most awesome Bishop I’ve ever know or seen in action…live. He preaches like a Protestant mega church preacher…pastor. It’s a gift. I asked this question regarding whether or not non-Catholics were saved because I was semi raised in an SSPX type atmosphere with my dad and that really confused me so much that at one point I broke. I’d imagine that this applies to atheists as well. Though I’d really hate to be one on the final judgement day. Not a good place to be.

Hello eucharisteo,

Thank you for your post. I appreciate what you are saying here, however, people who chose to be Atheist, chose to reject God, God will not save those who knowingly reject Him…by any Christian standard.

Christianity is rooted in a **belief **in the Holy Trinity (God -The Father, the Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit) and our salvation is found there.

If we all based our lives on - “only God knows for sure”, then one could argue that the Bible, the Church and even Christ’s life and His death are all irrelevant*… just try to be a “nice” person and everything will probably work out*…… It doesn’t work that way and this isn’t what is taught in Christianity. We both know that it is all relevant.

I have met people for instance, who seem “nice” and who support abortion, or those who seem “nice” and commit crimes and so on…

“Nice” is in the eye of the beholder and the beholder is God. How do we know this? We know this because God spoke through His chosen prophets and because He gave us His only begotten Son, Jesus and we know this because Christianity was preserved and passed down to us by the Catholic Church, which was founded by Christ.

ALL goodness comes from God.

As human beings, we are all born with free-will, the will to accept or to reject God and Atheists reject God.

I agree that, I too would really hate to be an Atheist on the final judgment day, “not a good place to be” as would most Christians.

Peace

 

[rtconstant]

Hello rtconstant, thank you for your post.

Atheism is a constant state, until that is, one ceases to be Atheist …a constant state, where a person is constantly rejecting God…Rejecting God is a sin, therefore, Atheists are living in a constant state of sin…correct?

Your thoughts?

Disbelief in God is certainly a sin. However, someone who is remarried is also in a constant state of sin does this make them incapable of being good people? Can a homosexual be a good person? Can someone of a different religion entirely be a good person? I just think that ultimately they (atheists) due to natural law and humanity’s noble origins have the same potential as anyone else. Still, I think that an atheist has a harder time in terms of the fact that they are limited to their individual and thus myopic perceptions to judge right and wrong. Yet, even with this disadvantage they are not beyond hope.

Now, if we’re talking about good in absolute terms like in the verse that was mentioned above. Then yes they cannot be called good people. Of course by that same standard neither can you or I. So again that puts them in the same seat as everyone else, even if at a disadvantage.

Also, we have to consider why they are atheists to begin with. Sometimes people are so miserably failed by the “faithful” that they turn against the institution which in my mind makes those that abused their trust equally culpable.

So don’t get me wrong I’m not making light of atheism and often it is indeed motivated by vanity and or immature attitudes. Still others enter into it from places that are at least sympathetic if not completely rational.

As an aside though, I actually think there are very few true atheists (if any). Some seem almost desperate to prove to themselves that they don’t believe. Some are so angry that you know they actually must believe in God because its impossible to be so hostile toward “nothing”. I think often what atheism is a striking out against some inward hurt, and as such they should be approached with compassion and healing.

Also, if you notice many atheists seem to have arguments like “why is there evil”, “why do bad things happen”, “why is their pain”. It is ironic as these individuals who supposedly believe that religious people are weaklings who need a supernatural entity to make through the day, seem to be saying that they themselves think that if God exists He should control us and directly guide us so we can never make mistakes. This tells me that they actually believe in God but can’t deal with the pain of life and don’t want to believe that there can be redemption and renewal even in the darkest agonies.

These are my thoughts anyway, take them for what they are worth, as I am admittedly a sinful man, and not very good at all.