(May 12, 2014 at 7:41 pm)Chad32 Wrote: Somethings are universally bad, like killing people.

But we may consider that moral, depending on the circumstances. Society may feel that killing a person who is a direct threat to you or your loved ones is a moral act. Or, uh... killing someone who was collecting firewood on the Sabbath.

There are some actions that I find difficult to argue as not being inherently bad, such as rape. But most are going to be conditional, even if we consider them wrong in nearly every other circumstance. The wealthy company owner who cheats his employees out of a fair wage is doing something wrong. The man who steals a loaf of bread to feed his starving family will probably be seen in a different light.

(May 12, 2014 at 6:56 pm)Statler Waldorf Wrote: What makes a particular act good or bad?

Logic does.

(May 12, 2014 at 6:56 pm)Statler Waldorf Wrote: Why is morality universal?

Because logic is universal.

That doesn't mean a good act is always seen as such by the observer, or vice versa. Interpretation is something else.

(May 12, 2014 at 6:56 pm)Statler Waldorf Wrote: Why is morality defined as the well-being of sentient beings? That’s completely arbitrary.

Not really, if you think about it: sentient beings, even under a theistic worldview, are the only beings capable of defining and identifying morality, and more importantly, they're the only ones capable of acting morally, and reacting to external stimuli. Without sentient beings you don't have any actors through which moral actions on either side of the spectrum can be performed, nor observed and identified.

What else is there? In a world devoid of sentient beings, does morality even exist? To be clear, you don't think so either, since (I think, feel free to correct me) you believe morality comes from god, who is a sentient being. That morality concerns the well being of sentient life is just a corollary of the fact that sentient beings are the only objects which morality, regardless of its source, can act upon.

(May 13, 2014 at 12:47 am)whateverist Wrote:

(May 12, 2014 at 6:56 pm)Statler Waldorf Wrote: Why is morality defined as the well-being of sentient beings? That’s completely arbitrary.

It isn't my job to define morality. Arbitrary? Hell as an expert, grown up human being I just shoot from the hip. Do it. Don't do it. Screw it, I'm not deciding for all time or for everyone or for every conceivable situation. I'm constantly responding to complex situations. I'm not in prison yet and I'm sure not worried about hell.

I like that answer.

Everyone gets their morality from the same place. From within themselves, their parents, all the people involved in raising them (including school teachers, church leaders, t-ball coaches etc.), and life experiences.

Anyways I think the best rule to love by is, don't be a dick. That pretty much covers everything.

Atheist: From the chain of all physical events leading up to this moment.
Christian: God.

Morality - such as it is - may originate from one's close-in growing up environment, then expand into one's culture and geographical location.

(May 13, 2014 at 11:37 am)ChadWooters Wrote: Atheist: From the chain of all physical events leading up to this moment.
Christian: God.

So slavery, rape, genocide, abortion, and violent murder are acceptable to Christians?

That would explain this:

Federal Bureau of Prisons Wrote:Response Number %
---------------------------- --------
Catholic 29267 39.164%
Protestant 26162 35.008%
Muslim 5435 7.273%
American Indian 2408 3.222%
Nation 1734 2.320%
Rasta 1485 1.987%
Jewish 1325 1.773%
Church of Christ 1303 1.744%
Pentecostal 1093 1.463%
Moorish 1066 1.426%
Buddhist 882 1.180%
Jehovah Witness 665 0.890%
Adventist 621 0.831%
Orthodox 375 0.502%
Mormon 298 0.399%
Scientology 190 0.254%
Atheist 156 0.209%
Hindu 119 0.159%
Santeria 117 0.157%
Sikh 14 0.019%
Bahai 9 0.012%
Krishna 7 0.009%
---------------------------- --------
Total Known Responses 74731 100.001% (rounding to 3 digits does this)

Unknown/No Answer 18381
----------------------------
Total Convicted 93112 80.259% (74731) prisoners' religion is known.

Held in Custody 3856 (not surveyed due to temporary custody)
----------------------------
Total In Prisons 96968

http://www.atheismresource.com/2010/athe...ligious-do

(May 13, 2014 at 11:37 am)ChadWooters Wrote: Atheist: From the chain of all physical events leading up to this moment.
Christian: God.

It's not that easy. Some of us are compatibilists.

(May 13, 2014 at 11:37 am)ChadWooters Wrote: Atheist: From the chain of all physical events leading up to this moment.
Christian: God.

So, are you ever going to learn that you don't have the right to speak for us, or is this blindingly arrogant state you're in permanent?