Euthyphro dilemma

[Whateverist]

But there are many aspects to "acting human", some we call morally good, some bad. [1] If no one else had a hand in our creation then isn't it correct to say that God commands the bad just as he commands the good? [2]

Welcome back by the way. [3]

1) I would say that "morally bad" actions are actions which make us "less human" (i.e. they lead us away from being the best sort of human).

2) Well, I would say that God's "command" that we "be the best sort of humans" is the SAME as his creating us as human. What-humans-are includes this teleology/purpose/goal/end.

Yeah that makes sense - at least if you come at it looking to find how humans were created. Even if we set aside the issue of created with a purpose vs evolved for a number of purposes, I can appreciate that you are communicating something subtle and elusive. For we secular oriented types, we can still ask are there activities/mindsets/ways of being which accentuate the best in us. I think we should be able to give that question serious consideration, and I'm inclined to say there probably are.

We may not agree on what those are, but I'm happy to have the conversation.

God creates us as agents who participate in our own development and fulfillment. The definition of a "good" human agent is a developed and fulfilled human agent (whatever that may consist of). If an action is morally good, it MUST be because it helps us become the best sort of human according to the humanity god creates. Actions are morally good because they lead the agent toward becoming the best sort of human.

I notice that you haven't anywhere here implied that what is best for humans is to be an obedient lackey of the divine. I appreciate that. What is good or best is what it is and whether we're created or evolved, we certainly are "agents who must participate in our own development and fulfillment".

Do you think this question deserves it's own thread?

3) Thanks! My time is still limited, so I need to try and keep my posts short. It's been too long!

I enjoy your posts so approach them in whatever way works for you in a manner that allows you to still pursue an excellent RL.