Posted by Paul Tseng, ICS CCM on May 13, 1999 at 06:48:45:
In Reply to: agree posted by M. on May 12, 1999 at 20:26:17:
: I tend to value atheists' points of view above other's at times...the atheists I have met live by their own morals (as good as anyone elses), and are willing to take responsibility for their opinions or actions rather than rely on a group of people (Christianity, church, or whatever else)to tell them what they ~should~ think. Sheesh, does that make sense?
Hello M:
Thanks for your sharing. I too believe in "to each his own". I am a Christian but I would hardly call my faith a religion (which implies that it is based simply on morality or rituals and traditions) By faith I mean that it is a dynamic reality based on a personal spiritual relationship with God. (I don't often spell it out that directly because I don't want to sound "holier than thou" to people who don't believe in God.) My behaviour/morality is a by-product of that relationship. It is not really dictated to me by "Christianity, a church, or whatever else."
I think you will find that I and many Christians can take full responsiblity for our actions and opinions. I fail to see why I should be contrasted with an aethesit in this way.
Here's a thought. Do aethesists (or anyone at all) really live by their OWN morals? I will admit that my morals are influenced by my relationship with God and my family and faith. But eveyone's morals are influenced by someone or something.
Those kids in Columbine were living by their own morals...I apologize for bringing this up but it think it shows very clearly the point I wish to make. I am not trying to say that "religious" people are good and aethiests are bad. I've met many very good aethiests and many very bad relieious people. To sum it up..you simply can't generalize.
Sincerely,
Paul Tseng, ICS Cello Chat Moderator