Subject:
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Re: Heads up, atheists
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.off-topic.debate
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Date:
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Sun, 18 Sep 2005 22:36:37 GMT
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Viewed:
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989 times
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In lugnet.off-topic.debate, John Neal wrote:
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In lugnet.off-topic.debate, Leonard Hoffman wrote:
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I agree with Dave completely.
Another key weakness of his opinion is that he ignores whether atheists
could actively support religious charities for non-religious purposes.
Although I am an agnostic, I regularly donate to Heifer International
because I believe in their mission and methodology. I first learned about
Heifer while attending church as a kid. I support them regardless of
whether they calls themselves Christian or Buddhist or what-have-you. I
imagine that many atheists do the same.
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Hey, Lenny-
Do you support them because you feel an obligation towards your fellow man?
And if so, from where does that sense eminate?
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I don’t feel obligated. However, if I want the best world for me and my
children and my children’s children, then helping others build a future for
themselves is the best bet. It is a version of the “self-serving” argument.
My family (including unborn descendants) and I have the greatest chance of
survival from peace and propsperity. Peace for not just myself or my community,
but the entire community of humanity. By helping others, even if I don’t
immeadiately help myself, I am creating a situation where I or my children have
a greater chance of benefit.
But thats more of an intellectual understanding of my charity. Really I do it
because I want to be a good person, and I define “good” as being honorable,
honest, and generous (amongst other qualities). How I define good is based on
how I was raised, as well as discussions I’ve had about the nature of goodness,
etc.
I’d imagine many atheists have a similiar POV when it comes to doing good.
Atheist friends of mine do ;o)
-Lenny
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Message is in Reply To:
 | | Re: Heads up, atheists
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| (...) Hey, Lenny- Do you support them because you feel an obligation towards your fellow man? And if so, from where does that sense eminate? JOHN (19 years ago, 18-Sep-05, to lugnet.off-topic.debate, FTX)
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