Is Morality possible without belief in a God or specific religion?

Question

The Christian misconception that non-believers cannot live a moral life without a god stems from the oft-quoted verse Psalm 14:1: “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none that does good.”

This is nothing more than Ad Hominem. How can you debate with non-believers by claiming to know the alleged motivations which they might or might not have?

Answer 1

Religion isn't what teaches us our morals. Most people get along in this world quite fine without religious dogma dictating to them. The general population understands how to be civilised with each other. Some of the greatest attrocities throughout history have been commited by people who believe they had God on their side.

"A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties and needs; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death". Albert Einstein

Answer 2

Of course it's possible to live a life guided with a strict moral code without religion being a requirement. It is actually easier to do it without religion because religion can be used to validate all acts both good and bad. How easy would it be to be a moral human being if your religion tells you it is ok to destroy and entire people, kill off all the men, women, children and animals just beacuse somebody decided that "God, said so."

Answer 3

Morals are a product of society but religious dogma has had an influence in the past on these morals, however, if there were no religions society would still create and implement societal morals and ethics based on other norms and influences.

Answer 4

I don't think it is that way at all. I think generally that people can be horrible, admittedly not all of us, but you must admit there are enough. People have done horrible things since the dawn of time. Just open a history book, when greed is involved people can use manipulation, fear and violence to achieve their aspirations. That makes for a confusing and scary world. In all of this strife, Christianity and Judaism gave people a way to come together and say "Yes we have our faults, but if we admit it and work together, then our hopes of purity can be achieved." So call us Christians what you will, but I find my faith to be a beautiful and hope-giving staple of life. Just don't call us childish for believing in my father in heaven, because the fact is that he doesn't save us from immorality. He saves us from ourselves.

Answer 5

Claiming to have any religious beilef doesnt actomatically make you "moral". To me having morals is knowing and living by what you know to be "right" or "wrong", common decency to others. Lets face it, the so-called moral majority doesnt really speak for the majority. A lot of reputed religious people are full of double standards and closed minds.

Answer 6

Despite what the @ssholier-than-thou preach. The Bible
says, "There are those who don't have the Law. But
live their lives according to the Law. They are a Law unto
themselves."
Paul said that in Romans, Corinthians, or somewhere in
that area.

Answer 7

Some of the most upright people I've ever met we're heathen. But I agree with the proverb, it's foolish to say in your heart there is no God, because even if you do not believe, that does not mean there is no God. A wise man would at least say they don't know or there is no scientific evidence yet.

Answer 8

Exactly.
Is morality possible with a belief in God? If you're only doing good to avoid hell or to get to heaven then you're not a very moral person.

Answer 9

When I see how much immoral evil is done in the name of some religion than I wonder how moralty can be possible when belonging to a religion. I think it is way easier to act moraly if you don't belong to a certain religion.

Answer 10

Just because you believe in God doesn't mean you belong to any religion.