Originally Posted by The Batlord (Post 1167153)

I agree with this. I mean, if religion isn't divinely inspired, then it is a process of evolution that came about to fulfill some need that wasn't being met without it, and since it's still around, we likely are still not meeting that need on our own.

As an atheist, without religion to justify ethics I've largely been left with nihilism and the concept that I keep going on and engage in morality because it is in my nature to do so, which is rather circular (life perpetuates itself and seeks to exist simply because it is instinctual) and doesn't hold much logic, since it doesn't really matter whether the atoms that constitute my body continue to constitute my body or whether they instead become a chair. Religion sort of gives you a reason to go on and engage in morality that can't really be argued over so we are able to engage in the minutiae of life without our minds being taken over with such thoughts.

Originally Posted by Howard the Duck (Post 1167388)

^^i will just say the only thing stopping me from doing a whole lot of stuff is the long arm of the law

Originally Posted by Howard the Duck (Post 1167404)

^^mostly murder and sex crimes, I guess

Originally Posted by tore (Post 1167405)

Are you being honest or are you pulling my leg? Performing such acts of depravity wouldn't make you feel bad?

Originally Posted by tore (Post 1167384)

I'm a highly (really!) moral being and care deeply about how mine and others actions affect others. I believe my morality is an expression of my genes (okay, and some environment) and as such, it's just who I am. It's written into the blueprint of my being.

To me, that makes morals more relevant - not less. It's a social trait we've evolved, not for the betterment of everyone else, but for the betterment of ourselves. It is in our selfish interest to be "nice" to others. How could anyone interpret that in a way which makes morals not matter?

Originally Posted by TUИEZ (Post 1167336)

Hope you do too. Being new here, I have no idea why you decided to attack me just for being from Arizona. But since you did, I just have to ask... Is being a dick something you practice or does it just come naturally to you? :finger: