Edward, I think we're running into the fundamental difficulty this thread is referring to. The last few posts have become about the understanding of atheism or a theist's belief. Like Adrian said though, atheists not approaching the implications of life without God assumes life with God would be the natural state and so there is something odd to wonder about when God is missing. But if God is not assumed to be the natural state then there is nothing to wonder about, and the problem of why we should be moral when we can't use the bible is just like saying why should we be moral if we can't use Dr. Phil.
The very question doesn't make sense in a universe where there is no divine moral code to be going against. The question is intriguing though because of the complements and contradictions between personal views on morality and the moral frameworks developed by religious texts, but in the context of anthropology and history rather than theology.
In talking to each other I think it's important to recognize the very critical difference in looking at morality and purpose and reason. Atheists aren't going against anything in the universe, there is nothing to go against. Why be moral? Why indeed! Other than the social, personal and evolutionary benefits that come from behaving in a way that does not bring harm to others (which is my personal view on morality) there is no reason I can see!
The very question doesn't make sense in a universe where there is no divine moral code to be going against. The question is intriguing though because of the complements and contradictions between personal views on morality and the moral frameworks developed by religious texts, but in the context of anthropology and history rather than theology.
In talking to each other I think it's important to recognize the very critical difference in looking at morality and purpose and reason. Atheists aren't going against anything in the universe, there is nothing to go against. Why be moral? Why indeed! Other than the social, personal and evolutionary benefits that come from behaving in a way that does not bring harm to others (which is my personal view on morality) there is no reason I can see!
My religion is the understanding of my world. My god is the energy that underlies it all. My worship is my constant endeavor to unravel the mysteries of my religion. 
