Usually when the phrase used in the title of this post is used it is in reference to the relation between morality and a belief in God. For some reason theists tend to believe that without a belief in thier god or a god in general we cannot know about morality or how to be moral. As ridiculous as that belief is it is not the topic of this post.
I have a tee shirt that has the phrase ;"Good without God" on it, but when I think about it I use it to mean that I am in no need of a god or god beliefs whatsoever. So this phrase has two meanings to me: the traditional sense for which it was originally intended and the one that I have intended for myself.
I have found since I have embraced atheism in 1994 that any meaning I find in life is determined by myself and what I think is important. I don't need to worry about heaven or hell or an imaginary afterlife. I have come to realize that this life is all that there is and that I have this one shot at making the most of it and enjoying it to the fullest within reason.
I realized that I don't have to carry the burden of guilt brought on by the imaginary belief in being born in sin or as a sinful creature. As an atheist I view sin as anything that is offensive to or in direct disobedience to what I may believe to be the laws of God or a religious institution who claims to represent him. Therefore in my way of thinking if God or gods do not exist; then there is no such thing as sin and it only makes sense inside of a religious context.
I don't rely on God for favors or good fortune nor do I plead for his forgivness or help. I realize that we are responsible for our own lives and the decisions we make. Of course because of the unpredictablility of life sometimes we will face great obstacles and adversity. But that doesn't mean that we lay down on the ground in defeat or throw up our hands and surrender. Anyone who values their life will fight and do what ever it takes to achieve their goals and climb out of the direst of circumstances the good old fashioned way, with dedication and hard work.
I literally have no use for god beliefs or a god and I take full responsibility for all of my actions for better or for worse. That's what adults who live in the real world do. I don't believe in fate and I don't believe in destiny. I believe that I can do practically anything I put my mind to when I set out to do it. I take all the credit and the fault for my acheivements and failures in life and will continue to do so as long as I live.
I am absolutely good without God and live life happy and free because of it. Nothing holds me back from going after my dreams, being a good person, being moral as I understand morality and appreciative of every second I get to enjoy breathing and living above ground.
