What are the rules...

Originally posted by C Hess
I get my morals from two (sometimes conflicting) sources: the social contract and what I
can rationally understand to be good and bad. Same as everyone else, whether or not they
can see it themselves.

It's not really a big problem for non-believers.

...and what I
can rationally understand to be good and bad

What is the basis of your rational? The Ten Commandments were given to show what was wrong, what do you use?

Originally posted by SwissGambit
Yes you could, and yes, I would also say that (that giving people will still give in lieu of religion).

Overall, I think people realizing they can live morally good lives and have peaceful, healthy societies without religion is a good thing for humanity. But I just can't get on board with the whole 'religion is the cause of most war and death in the w ...[text shortened]... tatement. The focus it takes off the 'else's, some of which are major causes in their own right.

Please excuse me if I missed it, But I didn't know anyone [here] WAS claiming
that religion causes "Most" war and violence.

I will happily say that it is/has been a significant cause of war and violence...
But I haven't and wouldn't claim it to be the largest single cause...

I suppose the difference in our views is that I'm not prepared to give religion any
slack simply because there are other significant causes of wars and violence.

Originally posted by RJHinds
Only those in the category of numbnuts would believe evolution is science.

I don't think your influencing many people speaking in this manner.

Originally posted by sonship

There have been and continue to be lots of wars based on religious differences. If indeed life and peace is the most important rule then god should let himself be known (without room for doubt) and set things straight.

But perhaps god has different idea of "the most important rule".

Great point Grreat King Rat. I kind of hate to have ...[text shortened]... ting new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." (2 Peter 3:11-13) [/quote][/b]

I’ve now read this post a couple of times, and I still haven’t a clue what you’re trying to communicate and how it links to my original point.

I shall try again and hopefully understand what is being said...

Originally posted by yoctobyte
I don't think your influencing many people speaking in this manner.

That statement was not meant to influence anyone. It was only a statement of my belief.

Originally posted by RJHinds
That statement was not meant to influence anyone. It was only a statement of my belief.

I was referring to your name calling of others. By influencing, I was meaning respect or gaining respect.

Originally posted by yoctobyte

...and what I
can rationally understand to be good and bad

What is the basis of your rational? The Ten Commandments were given to show what was wrong, what do you use?

I use the ability I have to see myself in other people's shoes, ask myself how I'd like to be
treated in their place, and through the superpowers of logic I come to a conclusion as to
how I should behave (and whether or not I should act, and if so what that act should be) in
any given situation.

Or empathy for short.

Originally posted by yoctobyte
I was referring to your name calling of others. By influencing, I was meaning respect or gaining respect.

There is a time and place for everything under the sun, according to the Holy Bible. So there must be a time and place for name calling of others. Jesus did it.

Originally posted by C Hess
I use the ability I have to see myself in other people's shoes, ask myself how I'd like to be
treated in their place, and through the superpowers of logic I come to a conclusion as to
how I should behave (and whether or not I should act, and if so what that act should be) in
any given situation.

Or empathy for short.

I am sure you realize it but in case you don't, this is a biblical principle as well as other faiths.

Matthew 7:12
English Standard Version (ESV)

The Golden Rule

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

It is a good principle to live by!

Originally posted by RJHinds
There is a time and place for everything under the sun, according to the Holy Bible. So there must be a time and place for name calling of others. Jesus did it.

I don't think that scripture was referring to cutting people down, specifically people that don't believe. Jesus' name calling was mainly directed towards the religious people.

edit: the pharisees

Originally posted by yoctobyte
I am sure you realize it but in case you don't, this is a biblical principle as well as other faiths.

Matthew 7:12
English Standard Version (ESV)

[b]The Golden Rule

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

It is a good principle to live by![/b]

Yes, our evolved ability to empathise has proven quite useful as a social glue.

Originally posted by C Hess
Yes, our evolved ability to empathise has proven quite useful as a social glue.

Or maybe God given ability.

Originally posted by yoctobyte

...and what I
can rationally understand to be good and bad

What is the basis of your rational? The Ten Commandments were given to show what was wrong, what do you use?

Can you show us a culture which before seeing the ten commandments thought that killing was good? What exactly has the ten commandments shown anyone?

Originally posted by wolfgang59
Can you show us a culture which before seeing the ten commandments thought that killing was good? What exactly has the ten commandments shown anyone?

Using the Bible as a point of reference...

1. The earth prior to the flood
2. Sodom and Gomorrah

Originally posted by yoctobyte
Or maybe God given ability.

No, I'm pretty sure it's an evolved ability, made clear by the fact that not everyone possess
it to the same degree. Or are you saying that your god is using evolution as a means of
creation, and we're not quite there yet?