Why do people associate religion with moral values?

Questions:
1. Where does your morality come from?
2. Were your parents Aethist? [personal curiousity]

I guess I have to wonder . .. do you think Morality is INNATE or learned?



Rrocket River

 

Because the state of American Christianity can sometimes be so damn simplistic that it's devoid of any intellectual meaning. Be Good and God will reward you. Be Bad and Satan will punish you. It's gone to the point where Satanists/certain atheists and those self described Christians are two sides of the same coin. You could say that "coin" goes beyond the state of American religion and more into our culture's approach to intellectualism.

Not all American churches are like that, but the most vocal and attention hungry ones are. The ones that have most influence in the voting ballots... Churches that practice what they preach in selfless excercise and self introspection usually don't want any notoriety. Yet they are partly at fault for not speaking up to their Christian brethren on these damaging actions.

We tend to want immediacy in social problems. Instead of being less wasteful, we want technology to solve its consequences. So if you want people to do what you feel is right, you legislate it or take it to the courts. But in these issues, there isn't a one-size-fits all answer, and whatever the government solution, it's going heads on against the inertia of thousand plus years of human nature. It won't work as intended.

Doesn't mean people will stop trying.

Gotta read his books man. You can say he's lying but what he writes claims otherwise.

 

I just don't like the fact that Americans are now using religion as a weapon against other Americans.

 

IMO
morals are learned. More often than not inherited from our cheif caregivers
while you may not share your mother's beleive in WHERE MORALS come from [i.e. Allah - if am wrong on the beleif of Islam I apologize]
I'd be willing to bet your moral structure and hers are pretty similar.

At this point we need to DEFINE MORALS
DICTIONARY.COM - of, pertaining to, or concerned with the principles or rules of right conduct or the distinction between right and wrong; ethical: moral attitudes.

we can step deep into this

If my beleif structure says Killing to get my way is good. . . I live like that . .. and i beleive it to my heart. . . .am I immoral? Who are you to judge my beleif system as good or bad?

I think If you study the morality of a prison system . .it is different that the rest of the world. . . so on and so forth . .those are learned moralities.

I think I already explained why Aethist are seen as not having morals
[they have no unifying documented text of morals]
now
the real question is . . . what KIND of morals do people think Aethist have

having no morals is one thing . . .having bad morals is another

Rocket River

 

Americans will use anything as a weapon
from Sex
to intellectualism

nothing is without its evil applications

Rocket River

 

You are implying things there you or I do not know. This is your opinion about Obama and that is OK. But I don't think I can address your point because we don't know his mind and heart.

That's another strong opinon, but I wouldn't know about that. I think some religious people are more atheist than professing atheists- you would call them hypocrites and be right about it.

I wasn't playing with you I wanted to know what you thought was good moral behavior.

For me with respect to human relationships-

1. First, the motive of good moral behavior is completely unselfish.
2. Second, the attitude of good moral behavior is completely humble or in easier terms not self serving.
3. Third, the action of good moral behavior is always in perfect agreement with truth, justice and love.

If it fails any of the above I don't consider it good or moral.

 

And personal feelings and emotions and opinions cannot change?
Are you telling me that . .what one is guilty / compassionate about . . .cannot be changed?
I cannot agree with you on that . . .

Do the morals change or do the actions change
People's opinions change . . . I can feel guilty about taking the food at a shelter . . until I learn it is a charity and that is what they do . . .
Did I change or did my knowledge of a situation change in such a way that a new moral response was needed?

Rocket River

 

I don't understand how some of you allow the radical fringe of religious belief and political ideology to define your views of the whole.

While I am not a believer, there are many posters on this bbs who demonstrably refute the negative perceptions of "religion" by their very ability and willingness to engage you in debate.

They are examples of the "good" that religion provides humanity.

Look to these people to help redefine your perception. You do not have to believe, but you do not have to ridicule.

 

Great post. This is exactly how I feel on the issue.

I've actually had a friend, who I played in a rec basketball league with, who upon finding out that I haven't been to church in 20 years basically told me that he wasn't sure if he could play on the same team as me anymore. What the F is that about? It's like not going to church means that I might as well worship the devil.

 

I think it is pretty obvious why people associate the two.

Most religions (all that I am familar with) are all about moral teachings.

I guess this is just an anti-religion thread, but welcome to planet earth.

If people want to have meetings talking about how to live well, and why they should, then what is the problem?

That is what most religions are all about (excluding money).

 

Possibly because he wants to keep away from any temptations of taking him off of his path.

Some people are able to have a drink on weekends or once a month, some have no self control and are always drunk or always sober.

 

people will also believe you are an extremist wingnut freak if you do go to church.....so either way you are screwed.

 

but in general theory it is at its core what I described.

Religion can be used like anything else to control weak minds but thats not what the vast majority of people are doing.

 

I never thought of this... That's really a very good point!