Food for Thought: Atheists as self-directed moral agents?

Hey guys!

I thought I'd start a new segment on this blog that I would like to call "Food for Thought".

Each week I will pick a topic, large or small, and give you my best attempt to analyze it, and hopefully spark some thought in you as well.

This week I have chosen a quote I find particularly resonant and interesting to me, it goes:

“Being a Humanist means trying to behave decently without expectation of rewards or punishment after you are dead.”

- Kurt Vonnegut

How do people feel about this quote? Yes, there is a stigma about Atheists having no moral compass, but is there also a stigma about Christians needing God to do good?

I do know one thing; atheists have the ability to be good without God. (Credit goes to Greg M. Epstein's book titled "Good without God", 2009).

I want you to think about all the atheists you know, I guarantee everyone knows at least one. Have they ever shown signs of disregard to humanity because they didn't have a religious institution of some sort behind them? Probably not.

Non-theistic individuals, speaking generally, have the common belief that it's about people helping people for the sake of humanity itself. And not because they were promised a spot in heaven, or because it would help rid them of their sins.

I understand this is a very controversial topic, and I have total respect to Christians, and non-secular people to believe and act on whatever guidelines they prefer. This subject matter is to help continue to break down the stereotype that non-religious individuals are not moral agents.

I hope this topic was thought provoking for some of you! Please feel free to comment below and add to the discussion! Keep it kind and respectful, always.

Wishing all you humans a wonderful Wednesday!

-Sof

Welcome!

Hello!

My name is Sofia White, and I am the student leader in charge of the Values in Action program at Hamline University.
This being the first official post on this blog, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you reading this now! Interested in what we do, or not, you are reading this post for a reason. I personally encourage you to continue to follow along, get involved if you are able, and learn about what our new and growing program will have to offer!

The Values in Action program is (as I have said) new and growing. Hamline University is the first college outside of Harvard to begin this program, and we are very lucky that Chris Stedman has graced us with this honor! The mind set was to find a college with open arms that would welcome this program in to a diverse and accepting background. Hamline was the perfect fit.

Although we are working from the ground up here, there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved with the VIA program, these chances will range large to small. Examples could be some service trips and days of volunteer community work, or simply joining us in a discussion about atheism and interfaith.

Keep your eyes out for posted updates in the near future! Have a wonderful day!

Best,
Sof