Can we be good without God?

Question

Where exactly does morality come from if not from God? If there is a universal right and wrong, where does the line cross?

Answer 1

We're not anything without God

Answer 2

First we need to determine which God we are talking about here. Are you referring to the real God, the unconditionally loving God who we are all a part of? This is the one Jesus was talking about when he said the kingdom of God is within you. The one who is our dearest friend and closest companion.

Or are we talking about the angry little judgmental God that lives on some far off cloud called heaven. The one who seems to be more concerned with our errors than he is with our successes? You know the egocentric needy little God that always wants people to worship him. The one who is always unavailable because he is only a fantasy? We could do much better without this one. You need to specify if you want a real answer.

To answer the second part of your question. True Morality comes from a respectful and compassionate understanding that all people are valuable assets of the human community and worthy of our love and concern.

Answer 3

Good and evil only exist relative to human suffering or human happiness. An action which is probable to increase overall human happiness is Good. An action which is probable to increase overall human suffering is Evil. By carefully observing the consequences of peoples' actions over time, humanity has learned a great deal about what sorts of moral codes lead to overall happiness and a well-functioning society, and therefore some ethical laws, such as laws against murder and theft, are nearly universal among all cultures.

The only ethical dilemmas come when an action might cause me suffering but cause greater happiness to a number of others. However, in a well-functioning society, such situations should be very rare.

Answer 4

Mark 10:18b (KJV) - "...there is none good but one, that is, God."

Romans 3:10 - "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:"

Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"

Define "good." If you mean someone who occasionally does things others might consider charitable, then yes. If you mean morally pure, then no.

God has written His holy law on our hearts, which is the basis for morality. Not what society considers moral, mind you, but those things you do and you feel that little pang inside you as if you're doing something you know is out of His will.

God and Godliness does not necessarily correlate with church, either. There are many, many people who attend church regularly who are not living Godly lives.

To what end do you want to pursue a "good" life? Is it to make yourself feel better now, or to make sure you please a bean-counting deity through your earthly works, or is it to glorify the living God on this earth?? I would urge you to examine your feelings carefully to come up with an honest answer for that one. God saves through His grace, NOT through works, or being a "good person." (Ephesians 2:8-9) It's up to us to accept that free gift and live accordingly.

I hope this helps! Take care, God bless.

-John

Answer 5

Morality comes from being a social animal. Human beings live in groups and so the increasing the safety of the group is important as is not harming other members of the group. That is where morality came from religion just hijacked the idea to try and make themselves seem better than they are. Say no to jesus.

Answer 6

In my opinion, it is highly possible. Afterall, we are created in the image of God. Thus, there might be some 'goodness' within us.

However, that does not help us to be peace with God or to go to heaven. God is Holy, and a little sense of wrong will tint us.

I once heard this story, that a lady was cooking eggs. She intend to place 10 eggs in a container to beat them. After she put 7 eggs in the container, the eighth one was spoiled.

However, she consider that already there are 7 good eggs, it should be alright. So she continue to put the spoiled egg, plus the remaining 2 good one in.

Yes you are right, 9 good eggs plus a spoiled one will condemn the rest of the eggs. None is fit for eating.

So is it with sin, 100 good deeds plus one evil is still evil. There is only one way to God, that is thru Christ Jesus. That is the line.

Answer 7

There can be no "universal right and wrong" because what is right and wrong is the perspective of a single person. A collective body may agree on what they all call right and wrong on certain issues (i.e. laws) it would be impossible for any person or persons to understand a universal right and wrong.
Mortality is not about right and wrong is about being and not being. As mortals, our minds are temporary. We lack the ability to transcend time in any means other than recording our words or impacting society in some way that immortalizes us in history.

Answer 8

sure there are many people who are good and do good who are non-believers and too there are many bad people who profess to be believers who do terrible things some even in the name of the lord. people who profess to believe in god should do right and it makes you wonder are they really believers if they do wrong...god will judge that.

i do think there is a universal morality, although i can only guess at its origin and i think it was when god created all he instilled that in us and whether we believe in him or not that way we still have some of him in us. as too if we choose to believe in him, thats another thing. i think there is a definitive line of right and wrong and if we all lived by the golden rule or at least the ten commandments we'd have a 'line' to use as a guide.

Answer 9

I have morals and I do not believe in god. I do everything I can to better myself and not harm others. I know right from wrong. So my answer is yes, we can be good without god.


Going to Church makes you a good person like standing in my garage makes me a car.

Answer 10

no, because no good comes from man. Even though men think they don't need God, but the do... Why is it that when men gets hurt all he can scream...oh God! Check you self one day and discover how this name comes from you mouth. If there was no God, either have you.