To show that the existence of God is necessary for ethics, I have heard a Christian say, "if God does not exist, then I have no reason to live morally - I might as well lie, murder, rape, and pillage."
In response I have heard the atheist say, "I am sorry that you are so weak of mind that you require a belief in God to act rightly."
Notice, however, an important distinction. The Christian is saying that if God does not exist there is no morality, i.e., since there is morality (it is apparent to all) then God exists. He is not saying that his belief in God makes him moral, but that the existence of God defines morality in the world as we experience it.
4 comments:
Justin,
Do I sense some hints of Ravi Zacharias here?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4e_AOqlllc
Very good point by the way.
Ben
Hey Ben,
I wasn't thinking of Ravi when I wrote this, but I think the video captures the same idea that I was expressing.
Justin-
Good points throughout, but I think you have defined here the difference between the Theist and Atheist, not the Christian and Atheist. I believe this is a massively important step, but I'm not sure it's the one that separates "Us" from "Them," though any qualifications or corrections of my (mis)reading from you would of course be much appreciated.
God bless,
T.
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