Is There a Point To Living a Moral Life?

[Ben Davis]

...for an Atheist that is?

As 'atheists' aren't a homologous group, it depends entirely on the atheist in question. As you've seen from the posts, there are quite a number of views out there. I'm yet to see one from the nihilistic perspective but I'm sure it's on the way!

Generally, I find that people want to get along, irrespective of their religious beliefs (I'm in the UK). Consequently those people agree generally on many rules of behaviour which stem from socialised empathy.

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?

Atheists are neither naturally cynical nor nasty. This simply indicates that your main purpose in this thread is to misrepresent or create a negative stereotype of 'atheists'.

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

Given that you believe in 'god-given' morality, that's a very ambiguous definition. But now I think about it, god's not always very clear on what he considers moral so I guess some ambiguity is to be expected.

Curious isn't it: it almost seems like god's morality is... well, subjective.

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?

[insert Ivy's comments here]

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.

...and yet that makes little/no difference to the christians who commit crimes. It's almost as if punitive justice systems don't work as much of a deterrent. You don't think that god's 'perfect' justice might be a little... well, faulty?

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

Yes. In fact, there are so many that I don't have time right now to list them all.

As an observation as a Christian... Your words are pretty mean spirited to any religious.

Sorry, which words? And who said them? Is this 'you' misgeneralising atheists as a homologous group again?

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.

And I've witnessed some soil. It made me do a dance. What's your point? You've just posted your comments without interruption or censorship so any claims of persecution must be false.

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?

Personally, the 'golden rule' is an important factor as are other generalisations regarding enhancement of well-being but I've experienced so many exceptions as to understand that morality must, by necessity, be contextual. Since catholic doctrine includes much interpretation of god's morality, your church demonstrates the same understanding.