I'm Grateful for Each Day I'm Alive but what has God got to do with that?

@josie_ (9764)
Philippines
October 16, 2018 5:56pm CST
"I had no shoes and I complained until I met a man who had no feet" Can't an atheist express gratitude for life's abundance? What is wrong with just saying "Thank you, thank you for today without adding the word "God" or "Lord". The feeling of gratitude is an attitude or disposition to act in a certain way. It may come from religious belief or from other values acquired through education and personal experience. Your thoughts? Image: Pixabay
14 people like this
15 responses
• Preston, England
17 Oct 18
gratitude has nothing to do with religion. Atheists are just as grateful for help as any believer. It is just good manners
2 people like this
• Preston, England
17 Oct 18
@josie_ yes it reassigns thanks that belongs to others. Thanking God for recovery from a heart attack detracts from thanks to the medics who actually saved us
1 person likes this
@josie_ (9764)
• Philippines
17 Oct 18
One should be thankful for any help another renders. But to associate our good fortune to an unseen entity and be grateful isn't about good manners but a matter of incredulity.
1 person likes this
@josie_ (9764)
• Philippines
18 Oct 18
@arthurchappell _But faith believers will say it was God who guided these medics in time to save us...you can't win that argument.
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (37952)
• Philippines
17 Oct 18
Well for one for as long as you do not push your beliefs with others in here we will not have any issues about that. If you do not feel God should not be included in the gratefulness that you are in right now that is fine with me. Just do not question those that are doing what they feel is right for them. I respect your opinion about it and you should respect mine if I differ in opinion.
2 people like this
@rsa101 (37952)
• Philippines
17 Oct 18
@josie_ I am glad that's your purpose. I do not like those that post like they are the one that holds the truth.
1 person likes this
@josie_ (9764)
• Philippines
17 Oct 18
It's the reason I posted this discussion. An exchange of divergent opinions and not to judge the belief system of others.
1 person likes this
@josie_ (9764)
• Philippines
17 Oct 18
@rsa101 _ I totally agree with you. "Freedom of religion" is not only about no government interference in our choice of faith but should also include deterring religious fanaticism which seeks to impose their beliefs on others through force.
1 person likes this
@MattMeng (3425)
• Hangzhou, China
17 Oct 18
There are so many religions in the world.
1 person likes this
@MattMeng (3425)
• Hangzhou, China
18 Oct 18
@josie_ You know a lot about Chinese history, my dear friend. Yes, now people are free to religions. You could be believe in any legal religions if you are not a Party member.
1 person likes this
@josie_ (9764)
• Philippines
17 Oct 18
China abolish traditional religion during Mao's cultural revolution and the country is officially an atheist State. Do people now have more freedom to practice religion in your country?
1 person likes this
@josie_ (9764)
• Philippines
18 Oct 18
@MattMeng _China is always in the news and the country is a major player in global affairs. Knowing about China's past help us understand the actions it is doing today.
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (116876)
• Anniston, Alabama
17 Oct 18
Well, I reckon since I believe in God that is who I thank for another day. I reckon since you don`t them you would leave out Gods name.
2 people like this
@josie_ (9764)
• Philippines
17 Oct 18
How much more people of faith and non-believers could get along if they just have your open-minded attitude.
@andriaperry (116876)
• Anniston, Alabama
17 Oct 18
@josie_ I am like that, I don`t push my God on those who do not want him.
1 person likes this
@NJChicaa (115621)
• United States
16 Oct 18
I don't know why people always have to bring God into things.
1 person likes this
@josie_ (9764)
• Philippines
16 Oct 18
For many religion play an important part in their life. But when people unquestioningly allow their lives to be rigidly structured around religious dogma and practices I ask why?
1 person likes this
@NJChicaa (115621)
• United States
16 Oct 18
@josie_ Maybe it gives them comfort. I don't know. I like to think I have control over my own life and not some magic person up in the clouds.
2 people like this
@josie_ (9764)
• Philippines
17 Oct 18
@NJChicaa _Religious faith can be comforting in times of need. It's very possible that when a life crisis happen I might also call out to "God". That would be my Catholic upbringing getting the best of my atheism.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203478)
• Nashville, Tennessee
18 Oct 18
We all have the right to believe how we want.
1 person likes this
@josie_ (9764)
• Philippines
18 Oct 18
@CarolDM _Why?
@josie_ (9764)
• Philippines
18 Oct 18
There is no disagreement there but I am interested on what your point of view is regarding the concept of gratitude we owe an unseen entity called "God".
@CarolDM (203478)
• Nashville, Tennessee
18 Oct 18
@josie_ I try not to get involved in religious discussions.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90727)
• Philippines
25 Oct 18
I agree. We should always be thankful we are alive every morning we wake up. Words of gratitude should fill us every time we wake up alive. Even if it isn't to praise a God or a supreme being, it is to boost our confidence and give us a positive and happy attitude to face the day.
1 person likes this
@josie_ (9764)
• Philippines
25 Oct 18
Religion is a good thing for many people. It has help them through many crisis and it is natural for people of faith to equate their good fortune to the God they worship. But if God exist, I don't think he is so petty or narrow minded as to exclude atheists and non-believers from the grace and abundance he bestow on his followers. And for that we are grateful.
1 person likes this
• Calgary, Alberta
18 Oct 18
I think being successful starts with being grateful to what is available and being able to adjust from that. That is how a human can thrive with life.
@jobelbojel (34731)
• Philippines
18 Oct 18
Always be grateful to God. I believe all praises and thanksgiving should be given back to Him.
1 person likes this
@jobelbojel (34731)
• Philippines
18 Oct 18
@josie_ I agree!
1 person likes this
@josie_ (9764)
• Philippines
18 Oct 18
Giving thanks and practicing gratitude keeps us healthy and happier because our brain releases dopamine which make us "feel good".
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (454979)
• Switzerland
17 Oct 18
I agree, this is not something related to a specific religion. Many primitive populations are grateful for what they have and they simply thanks, without adding God or Lord.
1 person likes this
@josie_ (9764)
• Philippines
17 Oct 18
It is commendable to give thanks or express gratitude. But because I was raise as a Catholic, somehow I can't shake the feeling that there is a connection between the guilt (God gave us his only son to take away our sins) church dogmas continue to pound into our psyche and the gratitude we should be expressing for being "save" not only from eternal damnation but every bit of good fortune that comes our way.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (454979)
• Switzerland
17 Oct 18
@josie_ I was also raised Roman Catholic (as almost all Italians at my times), I know what you mean.
1 person likes this
• Midland, Michigan
18 Oct 18
It's helpful for everyone to have a thankful attitude even if they don't believe in God. It's been shown that being negative causes all sorts of ailments. And no one wants to hear someone complaining all the time. Fire those that do believe in God and Jesus Christ it's recommended that they praise them and be thankful. I believe doing so had many benefits and rewards both now and eternally.
@cindiowens (5120)
• North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
1 Nov 18
We can feel grateful without giving credit to someone or something. If I have a tree that bears delicious fruit, do I thank the fruit for being so delicious? Do I thank the tree for bearing such delicious fruit? Do I thank the seed from which it came...the ground...the rain..the sun? No. I just eat the delicious fruit and am thankful. I am pleased and satisfied.
1 person likes this
@josie_ (9764)
• Philippines
6 Nov 18
Your comment pretty much sums up my attitude regarding gratitude and giving thanks.
1 person likes this
@ilocosboy (45161)
• Philippines
16 Oct 18
I believe thanking because its a gift and blessings and not just a process or routine of life. Because I have religion I cannot remove God for thanking.
1 person likes this
@josie_ (9764)
• Philippines
17 Oct 18
Beliefs are deep-seated and if your faith provide you comfort I don't see why not. This discussion is just an exchange of differing ideas and opinions.
@ilocosboy (45161)
• Philippines
17 Oct 18
Yes I understand. Individual differences that's what we are, that's include faith and belief.
1 person likes this
@porwest (78726)
• United States
19 Oct 18
If you need God to make your life meaningful, fulfilling, or rewarding...you are doing it wrong. As Einstein once said, "If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed."
1 person likes this
@josie_ (9764)
• Philippines
19 Oct 18
Religion have had positive effect on people. Despite my having left the faith, father Peyton's famous quote, "The family that prays together stays together" is something I still believe keeps many family united. The flip side would be the Einstein quote you mention.
1 person likes this
@Arrazzi (267)
• Indonesia
18 Oct 18
I have read your writing. And, I can understand it. I appreciate your opinion. But, thanks to God is the most important thing for me. That way, I can feel life is fun.