Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: TheOtherOne

Where does an atheist get his "morals" from? Does he just make his own rules?


168 posted on 01/26/2005 11:22:48 AM PST by mlc9852
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 72 | View Replies ]


To: mlc9852
Where does an atheist get his "morals" from? Does he just make his own rules?

Everyone gets their moral lessons from their upbringing, their parents, their communities, etc.

Where did you get yours? (did God talk to you directly, or did you learn yours like the rest of us?)

187 posted on 01/26/2005 11:30:09 AM PST by TheOtherOne
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 168 | View Replies ]

To: mlc9852

"Where does an atheist get his "morals" from? Does he just make his own rules?"

Not generally. Generally, atheists learn the moral values common to their society, just as religionists learn their moral values from the teachings of their faith.

Both of my parents are, and were, atheists. They are two of the most moral people I have ever encountered. My morality came directly through them, and reflects the traditional morality of this society.

Yours is probably based on Christian teachings. Those teachings, however, are also subjective, depending on the denomination you embrace, the time you live, and the place you live.

Christianity has exhibited a varying morality through the centuries, just as societies have done.

What are my moral absolutes? Probably the very same as yours, since I grew up in a society primarily based on Christian morality. Are mine as strong? Yes, they are, because they are deeply planted in my psyche. I can no more do immoral acts than you can. If I do, I feel guilt, because those morals are part of me.

What immoral acts have I done? I stole a candy bar once, when I was 10, and was punished for it and made recompense by sweeping the store. I had sex before I was married, but that's a pretty common failing. I remain friends with that person. I committed adultery once in my life, and confessed it to my wife and was forgiven by her.

Other than that, I don't think I can name any other acts. I have no desire to kill anyone. I don't steal anything. I don't commit adultery, having learned an important lesson.

My morals are the same as yours, and they're as deeply held.


193 posted on 01/26/2005 11:32:16 AM PST by MineralMan (godless atheist)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 168 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson