Of course it would have been right. If you were having a class discussion, then both sides should be raised. You could have pointed out that the 10 commandments hardly cover everything. Where are the commandments against rape? Why do we have to refrain from coveting our neighbour's goods? Surely that can't be good for a capitalistic society (of which America is one).
Also bring up the point to him that if he didn't have the 10 commandments, would he go around stealing and killing? Can he really not see how these things are wrong for society, and not just to prevent eternal torment? If he disagrees, argue that atheists are then far more moral, since they abide the 10 commandments (at least the good ones) without fear of eternal torment, and are thereby doing it out of their own reasoning.
Also bring up the point to him that if he didn't have the 10 commandments, would he go around stealing and killing? Can he really not see how these things are wrong for society, and not just to prevent eternal torment? If he disagrees, argue that atheists are then far more moral, since they abide the 10 commandments (at least the good ones) without fear of eternal torment, and are thereby doing it out of their own reasoning.
