Is There a Point To Living a Moral Life?

[Ryantology]

Back to the subject at hand! Given the natural cynicism and nastiness of Atheists [here] in general... is there any reason to live a "Moral" life?

"Moral", in terms of [Good, Honest] deemed by traditions through time. Maybe to include a few slightly general commandments: Lies, stealing, adultery, etc.

I mean... if there is no one or nothing to [say you are wrong, but you] about; a little swing w/ your buddies wife, or that $10 the acne faced kid gave you extra w/ your change at the Walmart; or telling your wife you were out w/ your buddy instead of his wife... How do you keep it in check? Or do you?

There are consequences to actions. Nobody needs a Big Brother God to tell anybody how to live. The problem seems to be that Christians have inferior consciences and require an external source to compensate. Certainly, Christians are not, as a whole, better-behaved than atheists by any stretch of the imagination.

Yeah, yeah....I know you would say that Christians are doing the same thing....And they are! But, they do have a conviction in the Lord Jesus. and they know that they will answer to their words and deeds.

Which is great, except you all seem to answer to a version of Lord Jesus who is totally okay with whatever you feel like doing. Jesus isn't your conscience, he's your enabler.

What do you have to answer to? Is there a point to living any kind of "honest" life?

I have to answer to myself and the people affected by what I do. As I value being a member of social groups, it is in my interest not to antagonize them. Further, doing wrong makes me feel guilt, which also is not something I enjoy.

As an observation as a Christian... Your words are pretty mean spirited to any religious. And I've witnessed a lot of hate here. Maybe you feel you have that right? But also people are individuals, and deserve at least to be heard for their ideas, and concepts relating to just about anything.... religious or otherwise.

We'd be so much nicer to you if you didn't say such stupid things. That you're among the most hateful Christians who visit this board doesn't help in your case.

Anyway... what do you as an atheists feel is your moral compass. And what is the gauge set at? Honesty in general... where is the line drawn, and how?

Same place it is for you: whatever you discover it to be through trial, error, observation, empathy and engaging in relationships. You've invented a god so that your morals sound more important than those upon whom you wish to force yours, but that's all you're doing.