Comments on: The "morality" of God http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/ Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:13:53 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 By: overcaffein8d http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-11289 overcaffein8d Tue, 13 Mar 2007 23:16:41 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-11289 [quote post="148"]If God is who He says He is, then He is justified in all that He does. He is the ultimate standard for what is just and unjust. He can kill who He pleases and is righteous in doing it.[/quote] Since God is the ate standard for what is just and unjust, it must be right for me to kill whoever I want, simply because their ideas conflicted with mine. [quote post="148"]If God is who He says He is, then He is justified in all that He does. He is the ultimate standard for what is just and unjust.

He can kill who He pleases and is righteous in doing it.[/quote]

Since God is the ate standard for what is just and unjust, it must be right for me to kill whoever I want, simply because their ideas conflicted with mine.

]]> By: Why worship God at all? http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-11285 Why worship God at all? Tue, 13 Mar 2007 20:12:22 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-11285 [...] “Ah,” many theists will say, “but we can’t apply human standards to God.” That is, however, an argument from authority, and a circular argument. “God is good because God says so.” makes as much sense as “Hitler is good because Hitler says so.” And if we say that “good” is defined by “what God wants”, then morality becomes arbitrary, it becomes simply a question of pleasing a dictator deity. More about that in The Morality of God. [...] [...] “Ah,” many theists will say, “but we can’t apply human standards to God.” That is, however, an argument from authority, and a circular argument. “God is good because God says so.” makes as much sense as “Hitler is good because Hitler says so.” And if we say that “good” is defined by “what God wants”, then morality becomes arbitrary, it becomes simply a question of pleasing a dictator deity. More about that in The Morality of God. [...]

]]> By: musica classifiche http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-7023 musica classifiche Wed, 17 Jan 2007 08:49:58 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-7023 <strong>musica classifiche...</strong> news... musica classifiche…

news…

]]> By: jenssen http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-3319 jenssen Sat, 30 Sep 2006 14:34:53 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-3319 If god exists its most definitely not a Christian god. If god exists its most definitely not a Christian god.

]]> By: Matt http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-3066 Matt Thu, 21 Sep 2006 23:41:31 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-3066 Kren: Check out Luke 20:9-19 I think that there are certain respects in which the world is ours to do with as we please, and certain respects in which God retains authority over it. Also, what I said about the computer was a parable, or a thought experiment - The situation with a computer is not similar in every way to reality. Kren: Check out Luke 20:9-19 I think that there are certain respects in which the world is ours to do with as we please, and certain respects in which God retains authority over it.

Also, what I said about the computer was a parable, or a thought experiment - The situation with a computer is not similar in every way to reality.

]]> By: Kren http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-3048 Kren Thu, 21 Sep 2006 17:52:32 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-3048 Last I read the bible, I remember something about God giving the earth to us humans. So it's not Gods. Plus we are not controlled programs, we have free will. Otherwise religious people would never have to ask for forgiveness, and most religions embrace the idea of repenting. Last I read the bible, I remember something about God giving the earth to us humans.
So it’s not Gods.
Plus we are not controlled programs, we have free will.
Otherwise religious people would never have to ask for forgiveness, and most religions embrace the idea of repenting.

]]> By: Pedro Timóteo http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-3046 Pedro Timóteo Thu, 21 Sep 2006 16:17:06 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-3046 [quote comment="3033"]Where do you think it comes from?[/quote] Reply <a href="http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/21/the-origin-of-morality/" rel="nofollow">here</a>. :) [quote comment="3033"]Where do you think it comes from?[/quote]

Reply here. :)

]]> By: The Origin of Morality at Way of the Mind http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-3045 The Origin of Morality at Way of the Mind Thu, 21 Sep 2006 16:16:45 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-3045 [...] Note: this post is a reply to a comment by Matt in a previous thread. [...] [...] Note: this post is a reply to a comment by Matt in a previous thread. [...]

]]> By: Matt http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-3033 Matt Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:54:13 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-3033 Where do you think it comes from? Where do you think it comes from?

]]> By: Pedro Timóteo http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-3028 Pedro Timóteo Wed, 20 Sep 2006 21:44:46 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-3028 I think the idea that a sentient being is <i>owned</i> by anyone is repugnant - even if that "anyone" is the creator of the universe. Sure, most Christians believe that, since God created us, he owns us and can do anything he wants - kill us, torture us, and so on - and we can't complain, because we wouldn't even exist if it wasn't for his generosity. That's what the book of Job is all about. Replace "God" by <i>"evil South-American dictator"</i>, who kills all your family on a whim and tells you that you're lucky and should be thanking him, because he could have ordered you killed as well, and you <b>may</b> begin to see something wrong with that picture. Or not, since, well, that dictator is morally reprehensible because he isn't divine... but I digress. Anyway, the point here was whether God, or "what God wants", is the definition of morality, like, I think, almost all Christians believe - which makes morality arbitrary, and doesn't consider the possibility that there might be a god, but he's a cruel sadist - which would make sadism and cruelty "good". Then again, there are many people who believe morality comes from <i>society</i>, from what the majority believes... which is no less arbitrary - and therefore absurd - than it coming from a god... I think the idea that a sentient being is owned by anyone is repugnant - even if that “anyone” is the creator of the universe.

Sure, most Christians believe that, since God created us, he owns us and can do anything he wants - kill us, torture us, and so on - and we can’t complain, because we wouldn’t even exist if it wasn’t for his generosity. That’s what the book of Job is all about. Replace “God” by “evil South-American dictator”, who kills all your family on a whim and tells you that you’re lucky and should be thanking him, because he could have ordered you killed as well, and you may begin to see something wrong with that picture. Or not, since, well, that dictator is morally reprehensible because he isn’t divine… but I digress.

Anyway, the point here was whether God, or “what God wants”, is the definition of morality, like, I think, almost all Christians believe - which makes morality arbitrary, and doesn’t consider the possibility that there might be a god, but he’s a cruel sadist - which would make sadism and cruelty “good”.

Then again, there are many people who believe morality comes from society, from what the majority believes… which is no less arbitrary - and therefore absurd - than it coming from a god…

]]> By: Matt http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-3026 Matt Wed, 20 Sep 2006 19:27:27 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-3026 You guys have computers, right? Sometimes you uninstall programs, or delete files, right? Do you want your programs uninstalling each other, or deleting each other, just whenever they want? Of course not. So (If you could talk to them) you would tell the programs and files in your computer not to delete each other... "Thou shalt not delete" But you wouldn't live by that law yourself. In fact, though, you would add some little rules to your law about not deleting each other - You would let certain programs delete certain files at certain times, as long as those programs were doing what they were supposed to be doing... "If a file shows itself to be a virus, O my antivirus program, thou shalt delete it immediately." You might say. Would you be giving your computer contradictory laws? Seems so. Would you yourself be contradicting those laws? Yup. Would those laws be good and right, even with their seeming contradictions? Absolutely. The crux of the matter is that you own the computer, so you can do with it as you please. It is good and right for you to treat it as you will. The Christian idea is that God created the world and He owns it. It's at least not a ridiculous idea, then, that He should give us different laws than those He Himself follows. Right? If you think that you exist for your own sake, of course it seems ridiculous that God (or anybody) should tell you what to do. But if you think that you're owned by your Creator, it makes a lot of sense. You guys have computers, right? Sometimes you uninstall programs, or delete files, right? Do you want your programs uninstalling each other, or deleting each other, just whenever they want? Of course not.

So (If you could talk to them) you would tell the programs and files in your computer not to delete each other… “Thou shalt not delete” But you wouldn’t live by that law yourself. In fact, though, you would add some little rules to your law about not deleting each other - You would let certain programs delete certain files at certain times, as long as those programs were doing what they were supposed to be doing… “If a file shows itself to be a virus, O my antivirus program, thou shalt delete it immediately.” You might say.

Would you be giving your computer contradictory laws? Seems so. Would you yourself be contradicting those laws? Yup. Would those laws be good and right, even with their seeming contradictions? Absolutely.

The crux of the matter is that you own the computer, so you can do with it as you please. It is good and right for you to treat it as you will.

The Christian idea is that God created the world and He owns it. It’s at least not a ridiculous idea, then, that He should give us different laws than those He Himself follows. Right?

If you think that you exist for your own sake, of course it seems ridiculous that God (or anybody) should tell you what to do. But if you think that you’re owned by your Creator, it makes a lot of sense.

]]> By: Jenssen http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-2968 Jenssen Sun, 17 Sep 2006 02:47:38 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-2968 we are monkeys dammit lol. we are monkeys dammit lol.

]]> By: Kren http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-2963 Kren Sat, 16 Sep 2006 19:15:15 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-2963 Actually I think using the BIBLE as your moral guideline doesn't add up. The bible is something people wrote, inspired by the thought of God with thier OWN intentions and views. OLD WORLD views. Taking it word for word, of COURSE there are contradictions. Plenty. Actually I think using the BIBLE as your moral guideline doesn’t add up.
The bible is something people wrote, inspired by the thought of God with thier OWN intentions and views. OLD WORLD views.
Taking it word for word, of COURSE there are contradictions.
Plenty.

]]> By: elianara http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-2955 elianara Sat, 16 Sep 2006 09:42:56 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-2955 [quote post="148"]Anybody they LIKED who died… probably Satan.[/quote] That doesn't end up, because according to the Bible, Satan has killed a total of 10 people, and that with some help from God. [url]http://dwindlinginunbelief.blogspot.com/2006/08/who-has-killed-more-satan-or-god.html[/url] Pedro is right, saying God is good and loving, and using him as your moral guideline, it doesn't end up. "Thou shalt not kill", the sixth commandment, and God himself doesn't follow his own rules. Something is wrong here. [quote post="148"]Anybody they LIKED who died… probably Satan.[/quote]

That doesn’t end up, because according to the Bible, Satan has killed a total of 10 people, and that with some help from God.

[url]http://dwindlinginunbelief.blogspot.com/2006/08/who-has-killed-more-satan-or-god.html[/url]

Pedro is right, saying God is good and loving, and using him as your moral guideline, it doesn’t end up. “Thou shalt not kill”, the sixth commandment, and God himself doesn’t follow his own rules. Something is wrong here.

]]> By: Kren http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-2953 Kren Sat, 16 Sep 2006 08:30:28 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-2953 Crazy? Sure, a lot of us humans are. I've seen lots. Monkeys? um... no. Crazy? Sure, a lot of us humans are. I’ve seen lots.

Monkeys? um… no.

]]> By: Jenssen http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-2951 Jenssen Sat, 16 Sep 2006 04:35:44 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-2951 yes and we are crazy monkeys. yes and we are crazy monkeys.

]]> By: Kren http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-2944 Kren Fri, 15 Sep 2006 23:21:15 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/09/15/the-morality-of-god/#comment-2944 Awesome post. First off though, that guy (I HOPE) isn't the representative of most Christians. Most of Gods mass murders took place before Jesus. Who was quoted saying "Turn the other cheek", and "killing is bad"... or something. Long story short, Jesus was a nice guy. Secondly the people who wrote the bible back then probably figured God had something to do with anybody who died that they didn't like, or weren't effected at all by that death. Anybody they LIKED who died... probably Satan. If God was doing all of this killing, wouldn't that take away that whole free will stuff? This is the reason a lot of people read the bible as a metaphor, other than those who take word for word as truth. (WOW) Last time I checked God wasn't on any wanted list for murder. It's always pretty interesting to compare the old and new testaments and see the difference in peoples writings over time. So interesting that you can kind of see peoples selfish intentions in writing the bible and the unanswerable question comes up... Did people create God? Awesome post.

First off though, that guy (I HOPE) isn’t the representative of most Christians.
Most of Gods mass murders took place before Jesus. Who was quoted saying “Turn the other cheek”, and “killing is bad”… or something. Long story short, Jesus was a nice guy.

Secondly the people who wrote the bible back then probably figured God had something to do with anybody who died that they didn’t like, or weren’t effected at all by that death. Anybody they LIKED who died… probably Satan.

If God was doing all of this killing, wouldn’t that take away that whole free will stuff? This is the reason a lot of people read the bible as a metaphor, other than those who take word for word as truth. (WOW) Last time I checked God wasn’t on any wanted list for murder.
It’s always pretty interesting to compare the old and new testaments and see the difference in peoples writings over time. So interesting that you can kind of see peoples selfish intentions in writing the bible and the unanswerable question comes up…
Did people create God?

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