Why Did God Create Atheists?

[Miles]

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There is a famous story told in Chassidic literature that addresses this very question. The Master teaches the student that God created everything in the world to be appreciated, since everything is here to teach us a lesson.

One clever student asks "What lesson can we learn from atheists? Why did God create them?"

The Master responds "God created atheists to teach us the most important lesson of them all the lesson of true compassion. You see, when an atheist performs an act of charity, visits someone who is sick, helps someone in need, and cares for the world, he is not doing so because of some religious teaching. He does not believe that God commanded him to perform this act. In fact, he does not believe in God at all, so his acts are based on an inner sense of morality. And look at the kindness he can bestow upon others simply because he feels it to be right."

"This means," the Master continued "that when someone reaches out to you for help, you should never say I pray that God will help you. Instead for the moment, you should become an atheist, imagine that there is no God who can help, and say I will help you."

Martin Buber, Tales of Hasidim Vol. 2 (1991)

So, reasonable or not. We atheists exist to set an example to the morally stunted of the world?


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[otseng]

Want to see it again?
Your turn.

Moderator Comment

Please review the Rules.

Please debate without the condescending comments.



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[nameless]

[Replying to otseng in post #61]
Okay, leave humor home, even if it makes a good point.
Check.
A am reading the rules, I started a week ago and still haven't finished.
Peace

[Bubuche87]

The problem is that I don't understand your answer. And I am not sarcastic or anything, I truly don't get it. But for the parts I understand...

[Replying to Bubuche87 in post #58]
"Theism and atheism address beliefs."
~~~ Not necessarily.
"Gnosticism and agnosticism address knowledge."
~~~With your assertion, I'm guessing that you identify with one of these? lol

I don't know what to tell you who accepts all your sensory input as actual factual representation of some 'reality' 'out there'.

You say there is something beyond mind, a 'thing-in-itself', you are making a positive assertion, so it is your responsibility to offer support if asked.

Where am I saying that ? I only pointed that atheism is not the belief god does not exist.
I only made a single point on a single thing.

[nameless]

I only pointed that atheism is not the belief god does not exist.
I only made a single point on a single thing.

And I pointed out that with no evidence to support the theory that God does not exist, Atheists must 'believe', with all the symptoms as any other believers.
If you have no belief infection, you can be an Agnostic, no opinion until evidence of some sort arrives. This is supportable by science and critical thinking/philosophy, no 'beliefs' necessary.
Back on topic?