Theistic morality

[tackattack]

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Theists often assert that God's existence is the only way for there to be objective morality. But there's a problem with this, summed up by the so-called Euthyphro Dilemma: is something good because God commands it, or does God command it because it's good? If the former is true, then morality is just the arbitrary whim of God, and God could command for children to be tortured, or that James Blunt be a compulsory part of people's CD collections, and that would have to be considered good. If the latter is true, then morality is independent of God, so we don't need him to order us around.

It's then said, 'Well, goodness is a part of God.' But what does this mean? Goodness according to whose standards? His own? If so, then that's like saying, 'A part of God is a part of God, and God says that part of him is good.' So, here's the nub of the question for theists: if God commanded people to kill their grannies, should they do it? Would it be good?

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I can't keep up with all the posts, but I'll chime in with my thoughts on the OP.
If I had only "is something good because God commands it, or does God command it because it's good", I would choose the former. Here's my reasoning as a Christian. I know what's best for my children because I have a better perspective on life. The same applies to the author or the universe. His perspective and power should be respected enough to assume his intentions have, at the least, a beneficial outcome to his creations in the long term. I personally in ther here and now find no problems with any of God's guidance, and see nothing harmful or "evil" to me that would lead me to believe his intentions are anything other than long term and good and healthy for us.

To answer your other question "if God commanded people to kill their grannies, should they do it? Would it be good?" Well that would depend on whether it's verified as God's commandment. I'll assume it has been verified and say yes people should. Do I think I could, no it disagrees too much with my own personal morality. If it's a verified commandment (no kidding burning bush backed up by the holy spirit and scripture and the sacrement of confirmation) from God, then we should do it, but I'm sur ethere would be a lot of discussion about it first. Would it be morally right to me, with null circumstances I'd say no.