If we do not have souls, then what makes us human? Does it have to do with our experiences or is it some kind of balance between our productivity and consumption. If we consume more then we produce (like elderly or infants) might we be euthenized?
2007-10-26 09:28:28 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well said, dude.
2007-10-26 09:33:58 · answer #1 · answered by Armless Joe, Bipedal Foe 6 · 3⤊ 9⤋
Biologically, there is little to do with souls and spirits. The fact that we have the number of chromosomes that we do makes us human, anything more or less would make us another animal altogether. However, why do you think we like "infanticide?" Where's the proof? And why is it that only secular humanists approve of it? Last I checked, a lot of sh1t went down in Egypt killing infants and what not.
2007-10-26 16:37:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The "golden rule" exists in some form in almost all religions and it is highly regarded by most atheists, agnostics, and secular humanists as well.
People are perfectly capable of behaving in a completely moral manner without having to believe in any gods, souls, or other supernatural things.
If you are incapable of behaving like a decent human unless you believe that you are constantly being watched by an invisible entity that will eventually punish you, then you have something wrong with you. Most of the rest of humanity doesn't share your "moral disability".
2007-10-26 16:41:20 · answer #3 · answered by Azure Z 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your understanding of secular humanism is perhaps not as robust as it might be. The lack of a soul, in your words, does not remove our humanity. Secular humanism believes that our humanity is what makes us noble, what makes us care for one another. They do not believe that you need a godhead, or a religious moral code to in fact be moral. They point out that ethics, the ancient study of right and wrong, provides for a baseline for strong moral behavior without the threat of a religious moral code.
You should read about it. I suggest a visit to the Council for Secular Humanism
2007-10-26 16:52:04 · answer #4 · answered by Night Owl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you look up the basic biological definition of human is does not include anything about a soul. Essentially our ability to reason is what separates us from other animals.
I do not see how this idea that we are more valuable because we are special and have souls will help. We could go extinct tomorrow and the world would go on without a hitch. I take great comfort in that.
2007-10-26 16:32:42 · answer #5 · answered by alana 5 · 9⤊ 0⤋
The ability humans display for creating, and communicating abstract forms we have named "language". Birth control isn't a bad idea as a way to discourage infanticide. As well, the cultural value given to gender is also a strong contributor. I believe our "soul" is really the essence of our spirit. Call it what you wish. But the ability to communicate in abstract manners is what sets us aside as a species.
2007-10-26 16:43:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
simple human aversion to slaughtering babies.
Ironically god doesn't seem to have such compunction:
Exodus 11:5 And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the first born of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.
11:6 And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more.
11:7 But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel
2007-10-26 16:33:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 10⤊ 0⤋
I think you're confusing the idea of a transcendent identity (sometimes called a "soul") with human worth. The idea that no afterlife is awaiting us EMPOWERS us to make sure human life is protected, because we know this is the only life we get.
Morality is good, and religious people have that, but I think morality INFORMED by reality (no afterlife) results in better, not worse, ethics.
2007-10-26 16:32:50 · answer #8 · answered by STFU Dude 6 · 12⤊ 0⤋
Our DNA makes us human. The evolved, hard wired response in the human brain that makes us see babies as cute and adorable is what stops infanticide.
2007-10-26 16:36:17 · answer #9 · answered by Murazor 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
So the only thing that stops us from killing babies and old people is our soul? Such a bizarre and utterly ridiculous notion. Sounds like something out of the Dark Ages ore earlier.
2007-10-26 16:35:20 · answer #10 · answered by ndmagicman 7 · 9⤊ 0⤋
The answer about infaticide is obvious in our time: abortions kill more infants each year than all the worst wars of man.
2007-10-26 16:53:51 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋