I couldn’t resist sharing the following:
(source: Beta Ray Bill: The Green of Eden)
In but 3 panels and with little dialogue, it summarizes not only atheism — including the idea that, even if something existed, to automatically worship that something would be nothing but a cowardly and loathsome way of grovelling –, but also humanism — that one should do “good” not because one fears punishment or desires a reward, but because it’s the right thing to do, because this universe is, as far as we know, the only one we’ve got, and, if we can influence it in some way, let it be a good way.
And all of this in a mainstream comic from a major publisher (Marvel). This is not something that happens every day.
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Tags: Beta Ray Bill, Marvel Comics
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Enlightened Self-Interest
See my blog at http://slrman.wordpress.com/
A popular theist argument for religion is “Without religion (god) we would have no morality or ethics.” So without religion can there be morality? Morality based upon fear of punishment or seeking rewards isn’t really morality at all. Perhaps what they are saying is that they would be evil without fear of hell. Then they project that lack of moral courage upon everyone else. I say to them, “Don’t judge others by yourself. Your lack of ethical backbone is not universal.”
True moral behavior is based upon simple self-interest. The guiding ethic is to truly act in your own best interest. That would mean treating all people fairly, honestly and, as it says in the Hippocratic Oath, “Cause no harm.” Religions invent all other “sins” to increase their control over people.
People can practice what I term enlightened self-interest. An individual’s self-interest is best served by doing no harm to others except in defense of themselves or those in their care. This thinking does not need threats of eternal punishment to follow, It only requires thinking about what will ultimately yield the best results for yourself. Treating others fairly and generously is always better for yourself, personally, financially, and socially. Those that co-operate and adapt have always been more successful.
For example, robbing a bank may yield temporary wealth, but at the expense of either a prison term or a life of fear, running from the law. Similarly, cheating others in business dealings may increase profits for a time. Eventually, your reputation will be so poor that your business may fail. This is a simple principle that, “It’s always cheaper to make a customer happy than it is to make him angry.” This same idea can pay dividends in ordinary human relations. For reasons I don’t understand, few businesses or people appreciate this idea. Maybe it’s because they operate on deist principles? Everything is forgiven if you repent before you die. Although that wouldn’t seem to help those you cheated, treated badly, or even murdered.
So should nothing be discouraged? Should everything be permitted? Capable, informed individuals could engage in any activity that interests them even if it puts them personally at risk.
An example would be an automobile race. It is certainly dangerous to drive at racing speeds and it is equally dangerous to stand near the race course to observe or record this event. Two people may choose to do these things if they understand and accept the risks involved.
One question that arises from this would be, what if one or both of these people have a spouse and children that depend upon them for financial and emotional support? Should they still do this knowing that if they are injured or killed it will cause some degree of harm to these dependents? If they choose to do so, does anyone else have the right to prevent them?
Those are ethical questions that can and should be debated, but each person must be free to choose his own answer. No other person, religion, or government should have the right to make these choices for us. If you are keeping in mind that humans are often in error and thus prepared for all possible consequences, no matter how remote the possibility, you can do what you think best.
I think he’s more agnostic then atheist plus it’s funny because his power is derived from the Norse gods.
You are deliberately spying on your husband? What happened to trust and communication? If you thought he was having an affair, the ethical thing to go would be an open and honest discussion with the person you supposedly chose as your life mate and the one with whom you would share everything.
To engage in spying is not only unethical but perhaps indicates you believe he cannot be trusted because you have similar issues yourself.
From that aspect, your marriage is already in great trouble.
It was a spam comment.