Comment religion is NOT the basis for morality (Score 1) 1305
I disagree with Larry on the point of religion and morality. Religion may be valuable to some, not so to others, whatever, but it is NOT the basis for morality as Larry states, it IS in third grade, not after that.
"Because if it turns out to be a 0, then we really are the slaves of our selfish genes, and there's no basis for morality other than various forms of tribalism. "
According to Kohlbergs theories on moral development and my own thoughts on the matter (regardless of others theories) high levels of moral development are related to conscience and an understanding of the world around you and consequnces to other beings.
Morals are NOT based on the bad boy punishment hype of most modern religions. I am an atheist (not agnostic, the first bit is zero, so the rest of the Larry explanation is out the window, sorry) and I have a high level of morals. I participate in my community, I am law abiding, I help others in need, I have compassion for others, I can decide what is right and wronq quite well, without religion. Tribalism is NOT the only alternative. There is REALITY to turn to. Nature is beautiful and magical and special and worth preserving, caring for and maintaining, just because of what it is, without some other extra psuedo up in the clouds watching over giving it meaning crap. Life has meaning without god, MORE meaning.
I would normally leave religion well enough alone, but in this case, as in most cases where it comes up, it is the religious who brought up the discussion and hence warrant a response. Religion is fear based. Religion was created by man because we are smart enough to understand that we are mortal and that is a mindblower for most. We will all die, and we will be dead. There is no afterlife, there is no reason to "be good" here to get some silly reward for eternity later.
When more people start to live in reality the world will be a better place.
"Because if it turns out to be a 0, then we really are the slaves of our selfish genes, and there's no basis for morality other than various forms of tribalism. "
According to Kohlbergs theories on moral development and my own thoughts on the matter (regardless of others theories) high levels of moral development are related to conscience and an understanding of the world around you and consequnces to other beings.
Morals are NOT based on the bad boy punishment hype of most modern religions. I am an atheist (not agnostic, the first bit is zero, so the rest of the Larry explanation is out the window, sorry) and I have a high level of morals. I participate in my community, I am law abiding, I help others in need, I have compassion for others, I can decide what is right and wronq quite well, without religion. Tribalism is NOT the only alternative. There is REALITY to turn to. Nature is beautiful and magical and special and worth preserving, caring for and maintaining, just because of what it is, without some other extra psuedo up in the clouds watching over giving it meaning crap. Life has meaning without god, MORE meaning.
I would normally leave religion well enough alone, but in this case, as in most cases where it comes up, it is the religious who brought up the discussion and hence warrant a response. Religion is fear based. Religion was created by man because we are smart enough to understand that we are mortal and that is a mindblower for most. We will all die, and we will be dead. There is no afterlife, there is no reason to "be good" here to get some silly reward for eternity later.
When more people start to live in reality the world will be a better place.
