EvC Forum: Get Over Your Fear of Atheism

mpb1 writes:

But I think I was referring back to the moments when I began to doubt Christianity, and for several weeks I wondered if I could end up an atheist. During those times, I could sense a part of me almost wishing I could turn my back on Christianity, so I could do whatever the hell I wanted.

It seems that way, but it isn't. You could do what you wanted till a point. Things like cheating are ridiculous to mention. The 'guilt' I would feel towards God is not even remotely close to the guilt I would feel for huritng my husband. You know this, or you do not love this person.

In other areas there may be some leniancy. If I stopped being a believer, and my husband were ever to divorce me, I could comfortably pursue another relationship. If you are not actually thinking about what you are saying, and imagining a prefect world of leisure, you will find that this is unrealistic in almost every circumstance.

Atheists have no "moral fence" around them, except consequences. Christians usually think of disobedience to God even before "consequences" to themselves or others.

I sort of agree...well...consequence is one thing. If we do somethings up to and until a negative consequence, we have learned our lesson. If we decide against something because of a foreseen consequence, we have put up a moral fence. The forseeable consequences always limit us. None of the commandments truly involve consequence. If you are forced to think of 'thou shalt not kill' while your children are in danger, what is on your mind? God, or others? If you are serving others, you are serving God. If you believe that atheists are waiting around for a bad consequence before they react, this may be true, but it is no more true for them than it is for me. We can all build 'fences' based on what we perceive as a result. You perceive hell. I am sure you see by now that there are consequences other than hell which would stop you from avoiding morality.

Well, perhaps you might ask why, in the absence of consequences, such as lying and not being caught,( which may have a good result for you) would an atheist choose to tell the truth just because it is 'right'? You may ask what is 'right' about it, if it is doing some good for you. This you must ask them.

In my opinion, most people are about the same on the goodness scale - probably 80% are of "average goodness," maybe 10% are naturally near-perfect, and maybe another 10% are downright evil. I'd include myself among the 80% who are average (according to my unscientific estimate).

'Naturally near-perfect'? Who is so naturally near perfect?

The nearly-perfect people are probably the most self-righteous and don't really think they need a Savior. Most of the downright evil people believe they are going to Hell - at least the ones I've talked with in my evangelistic efforts.

This is so backwards I can't stand it. Those who are so near perfect are supposed to be the ones who THINK they are going to hell. Those who don't are supposed to be the self-righteous.

We're all sinners. Christians just believe they're forgiven.

What? They are pre-forgiven? Christians believe they have to repent. You can't walk around saying you are forgiven and then saying you are afraid to sin.

I don't fear Hell if do wrong, because I believe Christ died for my sins. But I believe God will chastise me (as my Heavenly Father) if I commit grave sins against Him, in addition to the other natural consequences that would follow.

So you are saved no matter what? This is so sad. If this is true, then by all means live it up and keep believin'.

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