(July 22, 2020 at 7:47 am)polymath257 Wrote: I don't believe in heaven or hell. But I do believe in service to other people.

I just don't do it because I am afraid of hell or because i want some reward. I do it because I *care*.

The essence of 'good' is being able to care about others and think through the consequences of your actions. have some compassion.
And those are *human* emotions and motivations.

No afterlife or deities required.

That makes sense. But what makes you care? Why is it considered abnormal not to care about others?

(July 22, 2020 at 7:47 am)Shazzalovesnovels Wrote:

(July 22, 2020 at 7:43 am)Gawdzilla Sama Wrote: Are you saying you wouldn't be able to distinguish between good and evil without threat of punishment or promise of reward?

I was wondering why we bother to be good, if we'll all just end up in the same boat in the end. I could be completely horrid to people and not suffer 'eternal damnation'.

Chimpanzees act ethically in their troops. If they don't they get driven out. No god needed.

(July 22, 2020 at 7:47 am)Shazzalovesnovels Wrote:

(July 22, 2020 at 7:43 am)Gawdzilla Sama Wrote: Are you saying you wouldn't be able to distinguish between good and evil without threat of punishment or promise of reward?

I was wondering why we bother to be good, if we'll all just end up in the same boat in the end. I could be completely horrid to people and not suffer 'eternal damnation'.

Being horrible to people isn't beneficial in the long run: people will not trust you, not help you, and fight against you. Your life will be worse off than if you are nice and good to people.

We are *social* creatures. No one can live solely on their own. it helps to have other people to help. And to get that, you have to help others.

It always scares me when a theist asks questions like this. Is the only reason they aren't 'horrible' because they are afraid of hell or wanting heaven? Really? How fundamentally immoral can you be?

Wait, don't answer that.

(July 22, 2020 at 7:47 am)Shazzalovesnovels Wrote:

(July 22, 2020 at 7:43 am)Gawdzilla Sama Wrote: Are you saying you wouldn't be able to distinguish between good and evil without threat of punishment or promise of reward?

I was wondering why we bother to be good, if we'll all just end up in the same boat in the end. I could be completely horrid to people and not suffer 'eternal damnation'.

If you were completely horrid to other people, you would suffer in the here-and-now.

Transient sins do not warrant infinite punishment.

Boru

(July 22, 2020 at 7:49 am)Shazzalovesnovels Wrote:

(July 22, 2020 at 7:47 am)polymath257 Wrote: I don't believe in heaven or hell. But I do believe in service to other people.

I just don't do it because I am afraid of hell or because i want some reward. I do it because I *care*.

The essence of 'good' is being able to care about others and think through the consequences of your actions. have some compassion.
And those are *human* emotions and motivations.

No afterlife or deities required.

That makes sense. But what makes you care? Why is it considered abnormal not to care about others?

We are social creatures. Our brains are wired for being social. Those who are anti-social *are* abnormal.

(July 22, 2020 at 7:44 am)BrianSoddingBoru4 Wrote:

(July 22, 2020 at 7:43 am)Gawdzilla Sama Wrote: Are you saying you wouldn't be able to distinguish between good and evil without threat of punishment or promise of reward?

Imma guess yes, that’s what he’s saying. They all say it.

Boru

She's**

(July 22, 2020 at 7:48 am)Gawdzilla Sama Wrote:

(July 22, 2020 at 7:44 am)BrianSoddingBoru4 Wrote: Imma guess yes, that’s what he’s saying. They all say it.

Boru

I needed to know if we're following the usual script.

You’re a very bright fellow - you know as well as anyone that their script never changes. In fact, I’d be willing to bet money that we’re rocketing to Pascal’s Wager.

Boru

(July 22, 2020 at 7:52 am)Shazzalovesnovels Wrote:

(July 22, 2020 at 7:44 am)BrianSoddingBoru4 Wrote: Imma guess yes, that’s what he’s saying. They all say it.

Boru

She's**

Apologies. 

Boru

(July 22, 2020 at 7:53 am)BrianSoddingBoru4 Wrote:

(July 22, 2020 at 7:48 am)Gawdzilla Sama Wrote: I needed to know if we're following the usual script.

You’re a very bright fellow - you know as well as anyone that their script never changes. In fact, I’d be willing to bet money that we’re rocketing to Pascal’s Wager.

Boru

You're wagering on Pascal's Wager? "Ouroboros Arguments" for $50, please.

(July 22, 2020 at 7:33 am)Shazzalovesnovels Wrote: Do atheists believe in a heaven or hell? A good place or bad place? If not, then what's the purpose of the distinction between good and evil?. I'd like to have a respectful conversation about this.

Because in this life pain/suffering is bad/undesirable and pleasure/contentment is good/desirable. I can scarcely believe that people such as yourself need this pointing out to them in this day and age. Wow.