Atheism

okay, so you're saying the golden rule, which is the basis for pretty much all morality, is god-given. the other subtleties of moral codes all spawn from this single concept. yes?

so if there's a single underlying moral rule, why is it hard to believe it could have evolved considering how useful it is in forming a society?

i'm confused. you say murder isn't subjective, but then say that what constitutes a murder is where confusion comes in. murder indeed has a specific legal definition, but that definition varies from place to place.

being wronged is subjective, tho. obviously most people don't want to be murdered, but some might take grave offense to something others would think silly (like naming a teddy bear mohammad).

we are animals. we are intelligent. i'm fine with that.

sure, bee's are exactly cognitive creatures. but if evolution has provided a solution without reason behind it, it's not hard to figure the same solution might be available to those with reason.

and adding a right and wrong measure to a bee presupposed the existence of some grand measure.

yes, i am enjoying myself, too. you come across as a thoughtful, reasoning person.

 

But don't we have to examine the reasons behind the apparent inconsistency? Why did God command Egypt to let the Hebrews go? And why did He wait some 400 years to do so? Was it just about slavery? Or was there another, overriding purpose behind the command? If so, that might explain why He didn't move heaven and earth (so to speak) to free other peoples throughout history.

 

This is the third post where I was gonna quote you and ask why Mom is dead. Also back @ #51 and the post on one's own mortality. I just didn't want to be too flippant. But...... if I had a dime for all the variations of "God's will" I have heard for Mom's passing I'd be rich right now.

 

According to Old Testament prophecy and New Testament testimony, the new covenant that came with Jesus did not abolish Mosaic law, it fulfilled it for all time (for all who acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah and live in allegiance to Him). The price for breaking Mosaic laws usually required some type of ritualistic sacrifice, separation, or other penance. Jesus' sacrifice of Himself on behalf of all mankind counted for every sacrifice, banishment, and penance for every Mosaic law broken in the New Testament era.

In other words, the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus wasn't a policy change, it was a trump card.

 

Romans 2:14-15...
"Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them."

 

Good point, but that's a tough one to see all the way through. How do we weigh morals vs. instincts vs. awareness?

 

Independently, probably not. But a dog can be trained. How does that factor in?

 

An interesting premise. And one that has some merit, I might add.

 

Or that we reserve the right to 'take them under advisement'.

 

FWIW, I hate when people say that as sort of a universally applied phrase to use when something really awful happens. I don't believe for a second that it was God's will that your mother (or anyone else's, for that matter) died, K.