If there is no God all is permisable?

Question

Some believe that a sense of morality can only come from a higher power and without that we would feel that we would be able to do anything without consequence.
First, is the reason you (specifically you) don't kill, rape, steal etc because you fear judgment and if so, do you think that is a noble reason to be good?
Second, would you agree that there are immoral acts glorified in a way by the bible that you know to be wrong (genocide, murder, bigotry etc)? If yes, how can you say that morality comes from the word of God if you can decide independently that it (genocide, murder, bigotry etc) is wrong?

If someone somehow finds this question could you give it a star in hopes that people from your contact list may also see it. My questions are not posting for some reason and I would like a variety of answers. Thanks.

victor- your answer is appreciated, but I think it ran more along the lines of an answer to free will rather than morality. The first question assumes that no God nor the notion of God ever existed and asks if that would make immorality a non issue. The second question is regarding the fact that a moral belief structure has to be within us if we can cherry pick what is moral and immoral from the bible.

Answer 1

I make my own morality.

Answer 2

To answer your question, no, all is not permissible, because we have laws. Now to complicate this....are the laws the law's of man or of God? According to the bible God gave Moses 10 commandments, of which some of our modern laws are derived from, but do we obey the laws because we fear the justice system or eternal damnation? That would depend on the individual. I know many atheists that are very moral people, they do not hold themselves accountable to a higher power. Their moral compass is based on treat others how you would want to be treated, not because they fear the law or eternal damnation but because it is ethical.
For your second question, yes I would agree that their are immoral acts that come from the bible example:( Lot's daughters committing incest with their father) Genesis 19:30ff, but this action was condemned by God. Their are many examples of immoral actions in the Bible, however if you read carefully most are condemned by God.
But all of this is assuming that all laws are based on the Christian religion, here in the U.S. some of our laws are based on Christian religious doctrine, but in other countries their laws could be based on anything from the Koran to the Bhagavad Gita or Lotus Sutra.
This is a complicated question you ask, but overall in my opinion I would have to say that morality does not truly come from God or any other higher power. It comes from the human experience.

Answer 3

I think morality has more to do with some religious people simply following divine command theory rather than moral philosophy.

Answer 4

The Bible and God has brought in the past and to some in the present and in the future some morality. Not all adhere to the word of God. Man can make decisions for himself. If you live by the Bible then you will Love thy neighbor as thyself. This will take you to Heaven, Narrow is the gate that leads to a life like that, Broad is the gate that leads to destrution. Which one are you headed dowm, you see its up to you. Now Jesus came and died on a Cross at Calvery to wash away our Sins. He died for you and Me. At one time we are all headed down the Broad way but Jesus stepped in brought bring into the narrow way, will you let him do the same of you. I was sinking in my sin when Jesus convicted my Heart and showed me that I needed to make a change. It says in John 3:3 that we have to be born again to go to Heaven. I have been born again and now Jesus is my Lord and Saviour. You can let Jesus in your heart today and he will save you and get you going in the right direction serving Him as Lord and Saviour, just pray this Prayer if you would like to be born again and start a life fresh and anew, just pray Dear Jesus, I know and confess that I am sinner in need of salvation. I believe you died on a cross at calvery and arose from the grave to wash away my sins, I ask you right now to come into my heart and save me, I pray this Prayer believing in the name of Jesus Amen. If you prayed this prayer with a sincere heart you are now a child of God, rejoice that your name is written in the Lambs book of Life. Jesus will now send his Holy Spirit to come and live in your heart and guide you into all truth. If you made a decision for Christ or have any questions, Please send me an email, God Bless YOU!!