[TangoLimaSierra]

The way I see it, why does one need to appeal to the supernatural when there are real world metaphysical reasons for acting in a moral way?

I agree. It is simply knowing what the right course is to live in a community. I don't want you to steal from me so I won't steal from you. I don't need to be threatened with eternal pain.

[ifinnegan]

” I don’t want you to steal from me so I won’t steal from you.”

Kind of like do unto others what you would have others do unto you?

Maybe there should be a set of commandments that includes do not steal? That might be a good idea.

What if not stealing from someone else has zero effect on them not stealing from you?

[A_perfect_lady]

I don't want you to steal from me so I won't steal from you. I don't need to be threatened with eternal pain.

Exactly. And since Christians can get forgiveness quite readily, it's not even that much of a deterrent for them.