[Steel Wolf]

Wrong. I think he is confusing fear of what will happen with simple compassion for fellow man. I have no fear of what might or might not happen after I am gone, but that does not influence how I act why I am here. General compassion for my fellow man makes you live after death in the legacy you leave behind.

Few people are motivated out of compassion alone. The belief that our actions are observed and judged by a higher power is a binding force for advanced cultures. That higher power can be the Almighty, or it can be the State, but the vast majority of people instinctively require that their lives be set in context by a higher authority than themselves.

Certainly, some individuals don't require that. You may be one of them. But what works for you will not work for any society if tried on a large scale. Altruistic athiesm is an individual choice, but one that thrives only under the shadow of a moral culture, and in good times.

Fairweather philosophies don't stand the test of time. Say what you will about monotheism, but it creates societies that last. Athiest peoples without an iron fisted state do not remain unassimilated for long.

[goldstategop]

Russia is a dying society as well as contemporary Europe. In varying degrees, they've been destroyed by too much kindness and there's nothing more to live for and to pass on to the future.

(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie.Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")

[HOTTIEBOY]

I can relate to what you are saying as far as the words do make sense to me. Belief in a higher power IS a binding force for advanced cultures.
I look at things from a scientific point of view. I don't need religion. I realize the impact that religion has had on humanity. Every religion is different and no one from one particular religion can claim that their religion is better than another person's religion.
The reason they are all so different is because they remain in the secular group and over centuries are changed and twisted until they are seen as radical or blasphemous when viewed from a different culture. Saying that you believe in a certain religion only tells which secular group influenced you the most.
I do not believe any religion but I do not hate any either. If religion binds a culture and shapes that society, then so be it.

[AmishDude]

You said that very well.

[r9etb]

Altruistic athiesm is an individual choice, but one that thrives only under the shadow of a moral culture, and in good times.

I've been struggling to put that into words for years. Nicely done, sir.