Is There Morality Without God?
The problem of evil is one that is hard to deal with for Christians. We know there is both good and evil in the world, and we know ultimately from where the two came. We don’t always fully comprehend why God allows evil in the world, but we trust Him and know that He doesn’t cause it – even though it is allowed.
To the atheist, the problem of evil is much more difficult. To call something evil is to suggest a moral code. To suggest morality, is to suggest a lawgiver. If God is not the lawgiver, then the lawgiver becomes oneself. And when it comes down to your morals versus my morals, we both believe ours to be superior to the other’s.
Without God, there should be no complaints about suffering, evil, calamities, crime, birth defects and other perceived injustices. Without God, all is by chance and should thus be viewed as such. So to an atheist, whether someone dies of old age or as the result of a hurricane or random drive-by shooting, both deaths should be viewed as merely part of our evolving universe. Survival of the fittest.
One atheist may think it’s wrong to sleep with another man’s wife. Another atheist may think it’s ok to sleep with another man’s wife anytime – even against her will. So who would be right in the atheist’s world? Incest may be perfectly acceptable to some, but others may find it repulsive and evil. Who would be right in the atheist’s world?
In a world without God, every man and woman becomes his or her own god, with his own set of values and laws – thinking his is superior – but in actuality his morals are only as good as his ability to enforce them. Survival of the fittest.
Atheists make some interesting observations and statements to support their unbelief. However, when they point to evil and call it such, and then use it as support for their unbelief, they shoot themselves in the foot with their contradiction. Evil is not a good argument for rejecting the idea of God. It is actually evidence that there is a God. In answer to the question, "Is There Morality Without God?", the answer is yes - but it is strictly subjective, which renders it pretty much meaningless and nonexistent.
Labels: Doctrine
thoughts from Ms.Green @ Saturday, September 27, 2008
2 Comments:
Atheists like to believe that morality is brought about through evolution as well. But that gets really sticky. I'd elaborate if it wasn't so late, but suffice it to say that it doesn't take much thought for a rested person to come up with examples of how certain moral actions don't make sense in evolutionary terms. Think in terms of doing right when no one's looking or when no clear profit is possible to determine and you'll get the gist.
I've always thought that if atheists really believed as they say they do, then they don't possess the courage to go all in. They'll say that they adopt standards of morality for survival purposes, but why would survival be a good thing or a moral thing? Why would being nice at all costs have meaning without God? It wouldn't. It would be a manner of surviving for those lacking the means, the courage, the strength, etc of living totally by one's own terms.
An example of a good atheist? Sadam Hussein and his sons. If "good atheist" means one who really lives the belief that there is no higher power, then the Husseins truly lived on their own terms and grabbed for all the gusto. They lived life to the fullest, doing and taking absolutely anything that struck their fancy. They totally gratified the self. They were perfect atheists.
Most atheists don't possess that sociopathic level of personal morality that means "I am always right and good no matter what I do". Most will not have that level of courage of convictions. So they adopt certain moral principles in order to avoid having to live life in competition with others who also feel that they are all that matters.
"I've always thought that if atheists really believed as they say they do, then they don't possess the courage to go all in. They'll say that they adopt standards of morality for survival purposes, but why would survival be a good thing or a moral thing? Why would being nice at all costs have meaning without God? It wouldn't."
Excellent point. I think the truth is, as much as they deny His existence, deep down inside their being somewhere there is a nagging doubt - that maybe there really is a God- so let's not be too mean, or self-serving...just in case we're wrong... (Thinking that if there IS a God, their works will save them.)
The Bible clearly says that God gives an awareness of His existence to everyone.
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Romans 12:3
Unfortunately for them, their works won't save them. Only faith will.
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