Why Did God Create Atheists?
There is a famous story told in Hasidic 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 and 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.'” If there is redemption in religion, I believe it is when people come to understand this story.
~Tales of Hasidim vol. 2
3
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Ummmm, no
If this is what you believe, okay. But to me, this is the same drivel I hear from just about every other Christian I know. I make my own path; not some imaginary friend in the sky.
kiramea
Level 7
Mar 19, 2019
3
Ability to see the point : 0
Sorry you failed your critical thinking class.
@Biosteelman I failed in nothing, including the critical thinking class that was required to graduate. Just because YOU are unable to see my point doesn't mean I'm the one at fault.
@kiramea by stating you're an Athiest you already have proclaimed you don't believe in a god. This story isn't a critique on your belief in god but a compliment to Athiest who help others even without the need for a moral judge who will dictate your afterlife.
So we all know your point you fail because you didn't understand the true point of the story. Good job on failing for the first time, go forth and be wiser.
@Biosteelman If you say so
I am an atheist . God did not created me . Whatever I do , good or bad , there is no credit to god . He ain't gonna win any points in my book w flattery either . Claiming my actions and reaction as still his product , ... I am laughing ???
Pralina1
Level 9
Mar 19, 2019
3
And if there was a god he would be happy you find it amusing.?
@Biosteelman gods happiness does not concern me , but thank u for your useless input .
@Pralina1 yes, when other people make subjective critical statements in reply to your subjective critical statement it is useless...thank you back
I was born without religion, without a god you might say. My Grandparents and their parents on both sides were non-believers too, highly unusual in the 19th century for sure. My Great Great Grandfather on my Father's side was born in Newfoundland, lived there is whole life. His eldest son moved to Duxbury, MA when he was 13 and joined the MA regiment to fight in the Civil War. He used to call church goers "fools and rabblerousers".
GuitarDoctor
Level 7
Mar 19, 2019
1
To me it then begs the question, if this is so, what is the point of God, with good morals, belief in god becomes unnecessary and even burdensome
LenHazell53
Level 9
Mar 19, 2019
1
Did you ever with toy soldiers as a kid? You can always put a “god” into that perspective.
Congrats.
I think you're the first person to understand any perspective from this.
You shouldn't help people because a magic man in the sky says to, you should help people because you can and its the right thing to do.
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