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Originally posted by Cowboy Clint
Ultimate moral authority does not bind atheism. A man who does not believe in God has more choices to his problems than a religious man. If to get by in life an atheist has to lie to friend as to where he has been, he does so without regret. If an atheist steals a loaf of bread to feed himself another day, then he will do it without hesitation. If a desirable woman turns down an atheist to engage in sex, he will force himself on her and impregnate her. If an atheist quarrels with another man over possessions and there is not a desirable settlement, the atheist will kill other man and take all of his possessions.
How can you say an atheist would behave this way? That's utter nonsense! We have morals! We just don't think that we need a supposed written decree from god to know right and wrong... understanding of morality comes from within.
Originally posted by Cowboy Clint
Morals are abstract inventions of religion to discourage people to committing the actions which come naturally to all organisms, i.e.: to survive and better themselves. In order to convince people that they should follow these draconian rules, religion offers a reward at the end of good service. The chance to go to heaven, to reincarnated as a better person, etc… But take God out of the equation and the rewards of heaven and reincarnation is meaningless.
Thus, there is no “wrong” you can do. There is only you to decide what is “right” for yourself.
Originally posted by Kranil
Without religion, who decides where society's moral compass points?
Originally posted by dionysius9
That statement makes the assumption that SOMEBODY has to decide, and the rest will follow.
Nonsense.
WE... ALL... KNOW... RIGHT FROM WRONG.
Right is doing whatever makes you happy. Wrong is what hurts others.
Do what's in between.
That's it!