An Atheist's Standards

An Atheist’s Standards

We are always being challenged to compare our standards of behavior to those of believers.  Believers will strut and bang the drum of superior morality while accusing us of being lower than slime.

But, there’s a double standard. They know it and we know it.  The believer will tell you that they are sure they are going to an eternal reward.  It gives them a self-indulgent attitude that allows them to misuse us. They can be as rude as they like without fear.  They can accuse us of heinous actions while they feel that they’re entitled.

All they have to do is ask forgiveness before they die and everything is permitted. Imagine ending up in their heaven next to Hitler or some serial killer who was forgiven three minutes before he died.  And, the believer would have to accept it.  I think the concept is quite funny.

So, they have the ultimate loophole.

We atheists, on the other hand, hold ourselves to a higher standard.  We have our own internal morality that guides us and we must own it.  If we are honest, we must never consider their type of loophole. 

But, our situation is a double-edged sword.  We can never behave like they think we do.  It gives them a chance to say, “I told you so.”  We must behave in a calm and assertive manner without the drama that is so tempting.  All it does is make us feel superior for a little while and it loses our case during the discussion.

So, my friends, here’s what I recommend.  Stay calm. Use your knowledge of their holy book and debate them peacefully.

You never know, you might just start one of them down the road to de-conversion.

Walk the Path in Grace