The origin of morality

[Ryantology]

Elephants do the very same thing, so are elephants one of our close relatives also.

You realize that only further invalidates your viewpoint, don't you?

I believe the most compelling theist response is that morality is "written in our hearts" by our creator, and that whether you believe or disbelieve in Him, you still act in accord with what is written in your hearts by Him. Animal morality provides a slight but easily surmountable objection, as He is responsible for what is written in their hearts as well. Now I may personally find the idea preposterous, but it at least has the virtue of being consistent with the data, and therefore would need to be ruled out on other grounds.

I think this also further weakens claims for the veracity of individual gods, especially those like Yahweh whose code of morality places belief and supplication to Yahweh far above any and all other moral considerations (the first four Commandments are about how to properly submit to God's will). If the Christian God really implanted morality on the hearts of men, where are the innate directives to recognize Yahweh as creator of the universe and saver of lost souls? Why is it that this particular (and, for Christians, absolutely vital) moral set only existed in one remote general area full of backwards hicks for most of what they believe to be human history?