Being an agnostic…
February 9th, 2008 Elliot
…I find this observation by John McAdams at Marquette Warrior interesting:
But not believing in God doesn’t change the fact that people have a deep desire to feel righteous, to feel clean and redeemed and right with God — or with something equivalent to God.
What do you think, does he have a point?
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4 Comments Add your own
1. Chris&hellip | February 9th, 2008 at 9:10 am
I think he is half right you want to feel Clean and maybe Righteous with your fellow man but not something equivalent to God.
I personally believe the idea of “God” was invented to keep people in line sort of like a Santa Claus for grown ups
But just because I do not believe in there being a deity who acts as the arbitrator of right and wrong does not mean I personally cannot decide what is right and wrong. Or sit down and agree with my fellow man on what is right and wrong I do not need God to tell me that.
Because where does the feeling of being right with god come from? From following the rules of what ever religion you follow right.
So why can’t atheists get the same feeling from following man made rules?
2. rc&hellip | February 9th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
I think he has it right. I think that human beings have a need for self-worth – that they are more than a cosmic accident and have value. To feel “righteous”.
Some find it through faith. Some find it through selfless acts. Some find it through causes – whether to save the animals, save the planet, or trying to nanny other people.
3. folkbum&hellip | February 9th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
There is a growing body of evolutionary psychology on this kind of stuff. McAdams filters it all through the lens of religion; what evolutionary psychologists see as altruism and an instinct to follow social norms, McAdams sees as a need to follow the ten commandments.
That’s fine with me, until his side starts trying to make me follow the ten commandments.
4. Snotster&hellip | February 9th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
McAdams has a point. Folkbum doesn’t… but there is nothing wrong with being agnostic.
Being uncertain is human. Being curious is human. Not being certain that you have the answer – is devinely human.
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