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Are atheists evil?
58 Answers
This question comes from Everton's conclusion on the rov1200 Darwin thread that between religion and atheism, religion is the lesser of the two evils. So, are atheists evil, and if so, why?
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I think that the term 'evil' is too broad encompassing sin and wrongdoing. Does the word have a basis in a religious or moral context? - it can be both. I think if one uses a scale starting with say, not-good to wrong to bad to very bad to grossful to atrocious to abominable etc and then to sinful and wicked and finally to evil - one moves from a moral concept of the term 'evil' to a religious concept of the term. It can be applicable to an individual or individuals together as a group or society?? Sound confused? I am also.
but "evil" is the antonym of "good", not 'quite good, really good, really very good, exceptionally good' just 'good'.
as one who is usually exceptionally good, i am as far from evil as you can get, but by definition it is a very fine line. it only takes moment of weakness to commit an evil act, but it takes practice, commitment and a lifetime to become evil.
as one who is usually exceptionally good, i am as far from evil as you can get, but by definition it is a very fine line. it only takes moment of weakness to commit an evil act, but it takes practice, commitment and a lifetime to become evil.
i don't agree fully with that, although they certainly go some way to determining that evil is natural, nececessary and sometimes is a good thing. it provides a natural and harmonious balance, a bit like the brightness of yang against the darkness of yin.
when beauty is abstracted
then ugliness has been implied;
when good is abstracted
then evil has been implied.
when beauty is abstracted
then ugliness has been implied;
when good is abstracted
then evil has been implied.
well ok, i know the answer. i am atheist.
but most doctrines will have an element that could be regarded as evil.
does the absence of a doctrine in atheism absolve atheism of evil then ? some would look at communism and stalinism, mein kampf and that ilk as non-religious but containing evil ideology. or likewise consider the doctrine of trench warfare or open warfare. is this good or evil ? the foresught is usually wel intended or even convincing to the minions of the greater good that will come from it, in hindsight we see it as hidious and ridiculous nonsense riddled with intent that at best is evil - especially when you think of all the lives that have been wasted.
but most doctrines will have an element that could be regarded as evil.
does the absence of a doctrine in atheism absolve atheism of evil then ? some would look at communism and stalinism, mein kampf and that ilk as non-religious but containing evil ideology. or likewise consider the doctrine of trench warfare or open warfare. is this good or evil ? the foresught is usually wel intended or even convincing to the minions of the greater good that will come from it, in hindsight we see it as hidious and ridiculous nonsense riddled with intent that at best is evil - especially when you think of all the lives that have been wasted.
Ankou, 'does the absence of a doctrine in atheism absolve atheism of evil then ?'
No, and no one has suggested it does.
'most doctrines will have an element that could be regarded as evil'
Probably true, but Communism, Stalinism, etc, are irrelevant to this discussion since those philosophies encompass far more than a non-belief in God.
No, and no one has suggested it does.
'most doctrines will have an element that could be regarded as evil'
Probably true, but Communism, Stalinism, etc, are irrelevant to this discussion since those philosophies encompass far more than a non-belief in God.
