Are atheists evil?

[naomi24]

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?

[Seadragon]

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.

[Ankou]

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.

[sophie_1003]

I agree with Ankou. Also, would say that you can't tarnish everyone with the same reputation, yes some religious people are evil and yes some atheists are evil but religion itself isn't evil the same as not all atheists are evil.

[naomi24]

Seadragon, your list moved to a religious concept the moment you mentioned 'sin'. Some atheists may commit evil deeds, and they may acknowledge that their actions are evil, but since they don't believe in God, they cannot, and would not, consider themselves 'sinners'.

[naomi24]

Sophie, I disagree. I think religion is evil.

[Ankou]

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.

[naomi24]

You don't agree with what, Ankou? That atheist's don't do 'sin', or that religion is evil?

[sophie_1003]

what makes you think religion is evil?
I would say it is the way in which some people interpret their religion that is evil.

[naomi24]

I think religion is evil, Sophie, because I've read the books and I've seen the effect they have on those who believe what's written there.

[Ankou]

i know people who have read it and believe it and are not evil.

doesn't that negate or annul your simplistic point ?

[sophie_1003]

but that's just it, it's the people who believe it who may (or may not) be evil not the religion itself

[naomi24]

Ankou, no, it doesn't, because you've completely missed the point. It's the doctrine that's evil - not the believers.

[naomi24]

Sophie, see my reply to Ankou

[Ankou]

does atheism have a doctrine ?

[naomi24]

Ankou, You're an atheist, so why ask me?

[Ankou]

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.

[naomi24]

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.

[naomi24]

Ankou, an afterthought. Hitler professed to a belief in God in Mein Kampf.

[Ankou]

but its not a religious doctrine

[naomi24]

I mentioned that simply becauae you lumped Mein Kampf in with Communism and Stalinism as examples of non-religious doctrines. Now we seem to be beginning to go around in circles. What point are you trying to make?