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i've actually seen alot more atheists doing good deeds only because they believe in some kind of objective universal Good and Evil, while many christians have never once considered that just because their religion says to do good that that is he reason they do good. alot of christians just feel in agreement naturally because to them it just seems normal and sensible to be Benevolent people.

of course, i'm not christian, so my answer probably doesn't satisfy you as much. ^_^ still, i would encourage people both christian and atheist to watch this.

Can I answer your question with another? Too bad! XP

Do you think the Westboro Baptist church is doing Christian deeds by protesting at military funerals?

Now to your question. Some people do deeds to win the favor of the "lord". Notice I say some. Not all Christians think the only reason to do a good deed is for their religion.

And I am Pagan. I was raised Methodist.

This pretty much sums up what I was going to say!

Allot of Christians try to define everything they do in terms to their religion. It doesn't mean that they wouldn't do good things if they weren't Christian.

A major problem lies in the fact that their are so many shepherds and the sheep are way to sheepy. There are a million different "leader" and each has a set of standards a person needs to have a better relationship with God, and so many people forget to tend to the actual problems that they have, and focus on things they have no problem with at all. They forget their own convictions, and focus on what others say they should be convicted on. Then they feel that others need to apply all the standards that they "must" adhere to. It makes for allot of show with no real plot.

Many denominations try to push that people who aren't Christian only do good things for selfish reasons, and that "sinners" just aren't capable of doing "pure" acts without God in their hearts. This doesn't apply to all Christians though, mostly the mainstream Bible thumpers who are several generations of "Christian". The reason this sort of Christian is so apparent is because they have to let you know they are a Christian and make a show, because they feel they must "win" everyone.

The more moderate sorts won't tell you that they are Christian, they will do good deeds without a second thought, and they won't turn their kindness into a show. They are real people who knows that kindness should be shown to everyone, and can be shown by everyone, and is appreciated by everyone. You won't know what they believe, and they will wait for those who are drawn by their mannerisms to ask questions. They won't preach, and they won't try to spiritually rape anyone, and if you don't agree, they will love you anyway and respect your belief.

This pickled vegetable...

Damn, Atheists have chosen to come out of the dark lately. XD
Anyway, to answer your question, even though I'm Atheist myself,

Some Christians will do good for the lord, which would be doing good for the divine reward. Some Christians believe you don't need to do good, that forgiveness is all that is needed.
Some Christians do good because it makes other people feel better. It really just depends on the faith and the person you meet. However, the Christians I know TRY to do good and they look to gods or God for something to be done like the Earthquake in Haiti. Me and my class were going to help out, but instead of donating money, we prayed in class for them. Of course, I skipped out and didn't pray, showing I atleast donated 20$ and helped spread an internet cause which donated a good several million dollars.

My point is, it really depends on who you find, same goes for Atheists.
Some Atheists, such as me, believe that it makes people feel good as it will also bring some kind of good fortune.
( Although, I believe in a more complex and general idea of Karma.)
Some Atheists just do good. Then, some Atheists don't do good.


It's just the common Why-We-Do-Stuff cycle.

I have heard from many Christians that they are supposed to "love the law," and that they follow the law because they understand that it is God's will, and it makes them happy to please him.