The Moral Challenge

[freedomfromforum]

Even if I knew there was absolutely no way I would get caught, I would never rob a bank, or steal from someone. My self-respect is worth far more to me than any amount of money or material goods. Let's say, for the sake of argument, that atheists believe that there is no meaning to life (which is what some theists believe), and that since we're headed nowhere, and will not be held to account for our misdeeds (nor rewarded for honoring a god), that we can therefore do as we please - why not? Free-for-all rules! What's to keep me from participating in mayhem and treachery? How about my self-respect? I have to sleep at night, and while it may sound neither entirely altruistic, nor necessarily selfish, I value my ability to rest well knowing that I have done no harm to another in the world today. That's enough to make me want it again tomorrow, and millennia past are leading toward future generations who will move us even further away from our roots - unless religion kills us all first.