Why do people think that religion is just about "being a good person"?

[BCRanger10]

I often hear people say that they don't need religion to have to be a good person. True, religious faith does have a large moral component to it. But why do people who are not religious think that that's what it's all about? Why do they think that it's just about "don't steal, lie, or kill people"?

The definition of "religion", according to dictionary. com, is "a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs."

The Modern Catholic Dictionary defines "religion" as "The moral virtue by which a person is disposed to render to God the worship and service he deserves. It is sometimes identified with the virtue of justice toward God, whose rights are rooted in his complete dominion over all creation. Religion is also a composite of all the virtues that arise from a human being's relationship to God as the author of his or her being, even as love is a cluster of all the virtues arising from human response to God as the destiny of his or her being. Religion thus corresponds to the practice of piety toward God as Creator of the universe."

So with that in mind, it would seem that the purpose of the practice of religion is more concerned with man's relationship with God than it is about simply "being a good person" (though again, that is an aspect of it).

What do you think?

[ManOnFire]

Love this question and I fully agree. I've been hearing people saying that for years too, "You don't need religion to be a good person," as your perception is the same as mine.

To me it always feels like their idea is a cop out. A reason not to have to believe in God, as if only being good is all it takes to win in life, or even in the afterlife. The truth is that most people struggle with wanting to follow God and give up things, ways, lifestyles, etc. that he says we shouldn't be doing. Especially in nations like ours that are heavily about freedom and doing what you want. So to cultivate a life of discipline and spiritual vigilance is exceedingly hard to do for most people, so they start talking a bunch of stuff about just "trying to be a good person" and forming their own personal ideologies and ways of life that they think result in gold. It doesn't work that way. Hell, even a rapist holds the door open for somebody or gives a friend some cash to keep their lights on. Doesn't make them good.

Having said all this, I am not a perfect believer myself. I have fallen short in sexual activities and behaviors, which I don't try to excuse, but I have done it. However, I know that God, and faith, and living a life of righteousness are the right way and what's required of me. I'm not going to sit here and tell you or anyone else that you just need to be good and it'll all be okay.

[genericname85]

i'm an atheist and i know it's not. it's about giving your life structure and purpose along with morals and values. and i don't disagree with that in principle. but i disagree with the self delusional aspect that takes ones ability to distinguish facts from fiction. god does not factually exist. so to me, building my entire life on a nonexisting foundaton is a terrible idea. cause you can be the most devout christian in the world. if you lose your faith, you're left with nothing.

that's why i prefer to build my life and my purpose on things that are true and real. not on delusional doctrin.

i would have less of a problem with christianity in particular, if there wasn't the institutional indoctrination of children and if they'd actually understand their faith for what it actually is: annekdotes meant to help you structure your life and make a simple moral code accessible to you. it is not a book that is an historical or scientifical account of what actually "is real". and that's my biggest gripe about this regligion. the fundamental missunderstanding of what it actually is.

[SaoirseS]

Your question really isn't representative about what a lot of people think. A more accurate statement would be that a lot of people don't NEED religion to be a good person. And that's true, they don't. Whether they're atheist, agnostic, indifferent, or unaffiliated what's true is they see a set of moral guides as the only real positive outcome of religion. They don't need to sign up to a set of beliefs, or be part of an organized group of people who mirror them in values and beliefs.

[SaoirseS]

Thanks for MHO!

[Blackcosmo]

Religion is mostly about what you believe and not about how you are as a person. You can still have morals that religious people hold so religion has nothing to do with being a good person.

[Blackcosmo]

Thanks for the MHO!

[slatyb]

"I often hear people say that they don't need religion to have to be a good person."

Because believers often believe that atheists are unethical because they don't fear ultimate punishment. This is not true. Nearly everyone I know is an atheist and they are all highly ethical.

"the purpose of the practice of religion is more concerned with man's relationship with God"

I have no relationship with God. As far as I can tell, God isn't real.

[Guy13]

I think all men are Not Good and in their present state can not be Good. Man/Woman are Totally Depraved (Genesis 6:1, Romans1:24, Luke 6:46, Calvin) and no good works can sanctify man into a presentable state where one has earned a Saving Faith. Saving Faith is the regeneration of fallen man unto Himself and is a gift from God.

[jshm2]

It's just immature dipshits who want to get back at their parents, or not grow up, who go with the "no need for religion" line.

They are the type who struggle in life, and then blame God and everyone else for their own naivety and incompetence.

Ignorance of religion does not mean you are immune from consequences. Just as driving in a foreign countries roads without the right licence and training does not mean you'll do fine all the time.

[NathanDavis]

a person can also have a relationship with god... without the need of a man made institution, right?

or do you have to absolutely subject yourself to men... in order to have a relationship with god?

[worldscolide]

Dunno.. I also find it comical when someone tells me that its impossible for me to be a good person unless im christian. I've had that conversation repeatedly.

[John_Doesnt]

It's not. Religion is about controlling the masses and getting lots of money for what is basically a giant castle.

[Phoenix98]

Being a good person is part of it but is by far not the only aspect of it.

[Anonymous]

cause they are stupid

and the universe does not exist

GOD Christ is above the dome

https://www.youtube.com/embed/LMr6Qb0_5kM

[legalboxers]

They think a "Good Christian Upbringing" is the way to a better person. I find that as a joke