Atheists and Theists - common goals?

[Taverner]

Something I've been thinking about lately, after reading Dawkins' "God Delusion", "End of Faith" by Sam Harris and the "Athiest Manifesto" by some French guy :)

Basically, there is enough dividing us Atheists and Theists - what unites us? What common goals do we share?

Certainly not all Christians, Muslims and Jews (I leave Buddhism out of this because it is not necessarily Theist) believe in the extinctionist philosophy that their Fundamentalist counterparts do.

In fact, I will go out on a limb and say that Moderate Theists have more in common with Atheists than they do Fundamentalists.

[skygazer]

1. What most people share as common goals

Peace, prosperity, good health, security for our children. Just because someone is an atheist doesn't mean they have no morals - I've never understood that logic. My morals are simply based on the idea that it's better for both me and society as a whole to try to live a life in which I cause as little damage to others and to the planet as I can, and in which I try to contribute in a positive way.

It's better because it's a more pleasant way to live and because my children will have a better world to live in.

And I think that's what the majority of people want, no matter what their religious beliefs or lack of same.

[Taverner]

2. True

being an Athiest never meant shedding my morality.

It merely meant that morals had to be based on tangible things, rather than immaterial ones.

[MonkeyFunk]

3. we all share the same goals

that all of humanity shares, regardless of beliefs. We want to make the world better for the next generation, we want to eat, drink, sleep and screw, we want a little enjoyment, and we'd like to help achieve a little more justice and a little more fairness.

These have nothing to do with one's beliefs.

[Orsino]

4. To prove the superiority of the One True Way...

...and to be smug about it.

Seriously, I think that this is a universal human bent, but that atheists have to try a little harder to come up with excuses to revel in it. That's a good thing.

[xchrom]

5. i have ever, ever seen fundies in the same boat as my faith.

i have -- really -- everything that counts in common with atheists -- except my personal faith.

yes i'm a church goer -- but that's the point -- i am -- i'm not trying to get anyone else to share my faith.

i have friends who do/are and friends who don't/aren't.

we are all working towards a better world. and i mean working -- we share animal rescue stuff together, environmental stuff together, etc.

and i do mean we share those activities together -- it's how we became friends in some cases.

[Exiled in America]

6. Well, I believe in God and I believe in social and economic justice ---

Surely my atheist fellow DUers can share that with me?

I'm concerned about poverty, education and the environment. I strongly oppose this war, and all wars - though I'm willing to listen if someone argues some wars are necessary. I believe that religious fundamentalism is ruining the world and that Christian conservatives in America are one of the biggest threats to equality and justice we have ever seen.

Surely, we could agree on most of that?

Honestly, I really don't find it hard for atheists and theists to find common ground - just don't have them debate religion and it'll be fine. :P

[miss_agent_girl]

7. Idea

I realize how difficult it must be for theist to let go of centuries of intense bombardment of religious dogma and tradition. In light of that I'm more than willing to let them worship me if if they'd like. I can be bossy and irrational too although I do have to draw the line at hurling rocks at people.

Just a thought.
janie

[Danger Mouse]

8. Why should I worship you? I need convincing reasons.

:P

[Exiled in America]

10. Are you hot?

I've always wanted to worship a hot god. :P

[miss_agent_girl]

13. ah...hemmm

Ok...Im going out on a limb here...did you mean Hot Goddess?


Fannie-may-Janie

[Exiled in America]

14. I'm not picky. ;)

Just some kind of hotness :P

[Oeditpus Rex]

12. Then make sure they don't say 'Jehovah'

Welcome to DU. :hi:

[Pacifist Patriot]

9. I'm about 2/3 of the way through "End of Faith"....

listened to "Letter to a Christian Nation" yesterday and just downloaded "God Delusion."

Before reading Kirsch's book, "The History of the End of the World," I would have said that a common goal that unites us is the betterment of humanity. Sadly, the eschatology of some sects / religions precludes that as a common goal as well.

[rug]

11. They both want to get laid before they die.