Topic awaiting preservation: Peanut Gallery for "Does God Exist?" IV (Page 3 of 3)

WebShaman, what would love mean in a world that has no meaning? Notice that one of the items in the list of things I would indulge in was "philanthropy". The point being that I would do things that made *me* feel good. For what possible reason would I do anything that made me feel bad in a world like that? You tell me. I'm curious and I'm trying to be a honest as I possibly can on this. I really think that is the way I would live my life because *I* was the number one priority in my life before I gave it to Christ. Does that make any sense?

Well, it's like I said - you are still a living, thinking, feeling being, irregardless of what you believe...and the realization that there are, indeed, others as well...and that your actions have consequences...not only to you, but to others. To have morals, or a code of honor, does not mean you need to believe in a Supreme Being...I believe I am proof of that...

I guess I'm just not understanding the "why" part of it.

I'm not saying that one needs to believe in a Supreme Being in order to have morals. Some of the atheists I have run across in my travels have been obsessed with morality.

I am asking you to help me understand why not always acting in your self-interest is rational if there is, as you say, no rights or wrongs.

Well, I would say that the decission is a personal choice. For me, my experiences in life led to developing my own code of honor. I would in no way, shape, or form, try to enforce it on someone else.

As to why I have it...well, my experiences have shown me that my actions have consequences...for myself, and others. Since I believe that one should take responsibility for ones actions, I therefore try to 'contain' the negative ones...I have no wish to bring harm, or negative consequences on anyone else. This largely superceds my own 'wellbeing'...unless it is a matter of survival. Or family. Or my job.

Trying to convince you of the why...I don't think that would be possible. I can only explain why I do it.

WS, I'm not asking you to convince me, I was only asking for you to help me *understand*. Thanks very much. People of our age generally don't convert one way or another so I don't exactly expect a lot of that.

. . : slicePuzzle

Hey, BeeKay. I was just wondering if you were still going to do a wrap up post to the our first formal debate? Just a little bump

Yea, a bump for polish would put a nice finishing touch on the thread .