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?
2007-12-04 22:43:46 · 2 answers · asked by ? 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I would hope that the innate decency of humans would come through and everything would not be permissible in the absence of God.
The reason I don't kill, rape, steal, etc. is because it is wrong. It is wrong, because it harms others. If it harms others, it is against the Golden Rule which is a rule I try to live by.
I don't know if relating genocide, murder, bigotry is the same as glorifying it. But these things do appear in the Bible. However, they appear much more in the OT than in the NT. I sort of view the Bible as an evolving path from start to finish. To me, the point of Christianity is to love God and love others, so I don't dwell on the parts about war, battles, killing, etc. I think they're just there to show that God was very clear about expecting people to believe in Him.
I cannot question God as to why He allowed these things to happen. I don't believe for instance that everything in the Bible was written down correctly. So, perhaps the scribe got some of it wrong. To me, the Bible climaxes with the Golden Rule and that is what I take to heart.
I do not believe that ALL morality comes from the Word of God. I view the Bible as an amazing guidebook. If some need that to be moral, fine. I do not. I know many moral people who don't believe in God and I know of immoral people who do believe in God. Clearly, the Bible has not solved the entire issue of humans behaving morally. I think the one moral basis on which believers and non-believers can agree is to treat others as we want to be treated. If we all did that, there would be no conflicts.
2007-12-04 23:59:32 · answer #1 · answered by Michael B - Prop. 8 Repealed! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there is a God then everything is permissible because he will forgive you.
2007-12-04 22:50:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋