RE: Morality
August 31, 2011 at 8:47 am
(This post was last modified: August 31, 2011 at 8:51 am by TeslaTrooper.)
Well I can imagine it would be very difficult to find statistical data on morality, as how would you first of all define it, and then quantify it? Also morality in secular terms is subjective. I guess I should have narrowed my parameters to better explain myself. I would say the decline in morality or (perceived morality) since the 1950s to present day. To me it seems to be more widespread and open than it once was. Whether in some ways that is a good thing or not is debatable. It seems to me that we have lost a wholesomeness in society. But whether or not that is due to a decline in religion is also debatable, but I feel it is.
But once again the difficulty I find is by which standard is morality being judged at? Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Atheism? What is morally permissable in one religion, culture, society is not in another. But for me personally there are some actions that are morally wrong in any of the above religions/viewpoints. Yet although immoral are not neccesarily illegal in some societies. But again morality seems to stem from religious teachings. So if we do not have religion, who is to say it is immoral.
..... I feel like im going round in circles in my head with this stuff lol.
Well I feel that is one of the reasons why having such commandments set in stone is wrong. But the same time I feel morality and legality are too different things. Like you said, to steal to feed your family may be illegal, but may not be interpreted as immoral. So without religion's guidance, how can we judge what is immoral? I guess the best thing we can go on is legality. But laws change. What was once illegal may no be legal. Such as homosexuality. If things arent set in stone, surely we are only moving "the goal posts" around to suit our own needs. Which would also highlight the concept that there is no such thing as moral certainty.
But once again the difficulty I find is by which standard is morality being judged at? Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Atheism? What is morally permissable in one religion, culture, society is not in another. But for me personally there are some actions that are morally wrong in any of the above religions/viewpoints. Yet although immoral are not neccesarily illegal in some societies. But again morality seems to stem from religious teachings. So if we do not have religion, who is to say it is immoral.
..... I feel like im going round in circles in my head with this stuff lol.
(August 31, 2011 at 8:33 am)Citereh Wrote: I do not fear hell nor do I fear death......
What I do fear is the mental, physical repercussions of my actions in the real world.
I know it is wrong to steal not because God said its wrong to but because I know I wouldn't want to be stolen from therefore I practice what I preach.
The problem you have with a specific divine law such as "thou shall not steal" is.... what if you steal food or money from someone who has plenty and won't give it willingly to feed your family who are starving through no fault of your own? Does that same law apply? Who are we to break such a law commanded by God, no matter the reason?
Kind Regards,
Citereh
Well I feel that is one of the reasons why having such commandments set in stone is wrong. But the same time I feel morality and legality are too different things. Like you said, to steal to feed your family may be illegal, but may not be interpreted as immoral. So without religion's guidance, how can we judge what is immoral? I guess the best thing we can go on is legality. But laws change. What was once illegal may no be legal. Such as homosexuality. If things arent set in stone, surely we are only moving "the goal posts" around to suit our own needs. Which would also highlight the concept that there is no such thing as moral certainty.
