Why?
I volunteer some of my time overseeing LDS missionary efforts in the Bay Area and they did recently instruct missionaries to step up volunteer efforts in other charitable organizations, with the specific instruction to not make a big deal of who they were or to proselyte during service - so as to make it a sincere effort to improve other people's lives in other ways as well with no hidden or ulterior motives. That being said, it saddens me when people who don't believe in God criticize such efforts as an irrational waste of the human race's resources. You have a right to be atheist, and I would defend that to any other religious person, but I also have every right to continue to be a Christian. I recognize that religion has been used as an excuse to violate the rights of others in the past, but there's no reason why we need to swing society the other way.
That's what has always struck me negatively, at least from Christianity. When I went to Church, the only reason they told me to follow the commandments or accept Christ was so that I can go to heaven. They were only trying to appeal to my inner-selfishness. I've since changed, and simplified that teaching. Doing good is the natural order and will benefit myself in the long-term for the least amount of total effort invested. It's as simple as that, and no lying required (I say lying because none of the Christians could honestly verify going to heaven, but presented it as if it was basically fact to tons of young impressionable children).
Many pastors I've met always had amazing stories about how they used to be really bad, and gave examples of their previous life behaviors. What's funny is that this did not relate to me at all, as I was never that bad and couldn't imagine why someone would do those (in my opinion) horrible things. It led me to believe that Christianity appealed to those who sinned, because it promised that one thing, forgiveness and salvation, regardless of whether you deserved it. All you had to say was "I believe..."
Not all atheists lack spirituality, and not all are moral-less. You can totally believe in a greater cause without having to invent things.
The thing is, though, it's not like I invented my beliefs because I needed a reason to serve - I believe because of (though you may disgaree) rational reasons and experiences I've had that although I can't reproduce them or verify them to others, I consider empirical as far as myself is concerned. If I sincerely believe that to be the truth and a source of great happiness, I wouldn't call it a waste that I spent 2 years inviting others to try achieve the same. If they decline, that's fine and I think no less of them, but it's not like my beliefs are the only reason I have for trying to serve others. I still serve in other ways and for other reasons - believing in God doesn't mean I wouldn't try to do good otherwise.
>> Not all atheists lack spirituality, and not all are moral-less. You can totally believe in a greater cause without having to invent things.
Wholeheartedly agree - I hope I have not implied anything to the contrary.
That's why I believe and live my life this way. Not for an eternal reward, but for the day to day.
That's why I, along with many others in the Mormon Church, feel that there is no better way we could spend our time than inviting others to feel the same peace.
As far as religion appealing only to those who sinned, a frequently quoted phrase in the Mormon church is that our mission is to "make a bad person good and a good person better". Nobody is perfect, and it is my personal conviction that religion, the Mormon faith in particular, is the best (not the only) way for someone to better themselves.
This is my personal belief and I realize it is not shared by most people. I share it with you not with the intention to preach or incite guilt, but to clarify and explain why we feel so strongly about our beliefs. I'm more than happy to answer any questions via email (in my profile).
