Stuart: "If He does not exist, I should think any behavior is acceptable because I understand that morality is then no more concrete or stable than a leaf on the wind. Indeed, if there is no morality other than what comes from man, I would fear nothing but the ramifications of breaking man's laws - something very trivial to me if there is no fear of God."Are you suggesting that the only reason people have basic moral tendencies is because of the bible and christianity? Goodness me, I guess that means that most of my closest friends and I are immoral folks, since we do not look up to that particular cosmology. Funny, I consider myself to be a pretty decent guy, and my friends are, for the most part, extremely moral people. We try pretty hard not to hurt others or our environments, we try pretty hard to respect others, and I think we do a pretty good job, generally. In fact, I bet you would have a hard time arguing that my friends and I are among the more hurtful members of society. Oh, sure, we may have slightly "aberrant" sexual practices, and maybe a couple of my friends smoke the odd joint, but they do not make a habit of victimizing people.
How did we reach that point, Stuart? I mean, I know the teachings of the bible, and I know the teachings of the other major religions (generally), and I can recognize that most of these world views tell their particular adherants not to hurt others, but what of the atheists? What of the time before Jesus, the time before Abraham?
I find it pretty frightening that you are suggesting that without your holy bible, you would not be compelled to behave morally, save for fear of legal ramifications. You use the word "fear" as the reason you do not hurt others. Well, frankly, I don't base my morals on fear, I base them on respect and compassion, as best as I am able. Think about it this way: God is your ultra high supreme court, so just another authority figure telling you how to behave. If you moved into a neighbourhood full of people who told you the only reason they did not victimize you (and others) was because someone else told them not to, would you feel more or less safe than if you lived in a neighbourhood full of people who claimed they acted "morally" because THEY saw that as the way one should behave outr of respect and compassion? I would certainly choose the latter.
