What Gives Atheists Their Moral Compass

Well, let's see… I don’t murder or rape, I don’t steal, I don’t sell drugs, and I don’t physically hurt people. I try to be kind and caring. All of this I am able to do without believing in a god. So the idea that I, as an atheist, may not have some kind of moral compass is insane.

Actually, while theists love to claim ethics and morality are based on their religion, the reality is that society sets these standards. Think about it: if such things were truly tied to religious beliefs, wouldn’t theists be the most moral and ethical people? Have you found that to be true? I certainly haven’t.

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All societies and civilizations have had morals. That's how they sustained order. 'Civil' is the key. Some of these societies predate Jews, Christians, and Muslims by thousands of years. So, let's take a look at your beliefs. Do you find Exodus 21 moral or immoral? If you think it’s moral, shove your religious morality where only your deity can find it. If you find it immoral, then you accept morality as a zeitgeist. Welcome to atheist morality.

Are bacon sandwiches sacrilegious or delicious? Once you start editing and altering scripture to align with modern-day ethics and morality, you're admitting that believing in God has nothing to do with ethics or morality. So, do you believe slavery is moral?

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The Golden Rule—'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you'—applies universally. If you only do good because God commands it, then you have no ethics. You must be able to do good regardless of whether God commands it or not.

What is the Basis for the Moral Compass of Those Who Do Believe in God?

I am non-believer simply due to a lack of proof. However, I am a firm believer in kindness to self and others, forgiveness of self and others, animal rights, gratitude, mutual respect, and making informed decisions. Religious belief does not make us good people; having a conscience does.

Many Christians on Quora are genuinely surprised that atheists can be good people and maintain high moral standards, but there it is. The moral compass of atheists is our conscience, which we all have, whether we believe in God or any other divine beings.

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Ultimately, the moral compass of an atheist is derived from their personal values, ethics, and conscience. Moral behavior is not exclusive to theists but can be observed in many non-believers as well. Understanding and practicing ethical behavior is a global responsibility, regardless of one's belief system.