Let me first say that I do not believe in objective morality in the sense of believing there is some cosmic judge waiting to punish those who do wrong.
My morality is based more on reciprocal altruism/trying to act in such a way that I want the world to act. I also happen to find value in doing things that I feel are good. Though as an atheist I cannot appeal to an absolute standard that would govern everyone.
Now I can/have a sense of morality/good/honesty without being told that I have to by some authority figure. I can see the inherent benefit/good in operating under moral guidelines such as honesty, empathy, love, peace, etc.
However for those who base their morality solely on a religion I sometimes worry that they may not be able to handle not being told what to do. If those inside of religion lost all faith would they be able to sustain a morality without it being a REQUIREMENT. I personally don't trust everyone that much but at the same time I do not believe religion is true.
It is a weird catch 22 for me but perhaps I am being unfair as I used to be religious and now that I am not I still have morality. However I also know that many people even inside of religion aren't the most moral so without any religion how much worse would they be? I was just wondering what your guys thoughts were on this.
My morality is based more on reciprocal altruism/trying to act in such a way that I want the world to act. I also happen to find value in doing things that I feel are good. Though as an atheist I cannot appeal to an absolute standard that would govern everyone.
Now I can/have a sense of morality/good/honesty without being told that I have to by some authority figure. I can see the inherent benefit/good in operating under moral guidelines such as honesty, empathy, love, peace, etc.
However for those who base their morality solely on a religion I sometimes worry that they may not be able to handle not being told what to do. If those inside of religion lost all faith would they be able to sustain a morality without it being a REQUIREMENT. I personally don't trust everyone that much but at the same time I do not believe religion is true.
It is a weird catch 22 for me but perhaps I am being unfair as I used to be religious and now that I am not I still have morality. However I also know that many people even inside of religion aren't the most moral so without any religion how much worse would they be? I was just wondering what your guys thoughts were on this.
