Yes

[Midget_1990]

The answer to this forum, can we close it now?

[David]

Was that a moral thing to say? :D

You mean to tell me that you can lead a moral life without fear of retribution from God? :eek:

[Hugh]

Of course you can live a moral life without God, it's just that God is having a hard time coming to terms with his non-existence so people are doing the moral thing (without God) and saying they need God (who still doesn't exist) to make him feel good.

[Bunterx]

IMO religion is fine for providing a moral code for society, but this could quite easily be created without the added faith and worship needed. Having a God in the mix just raises the stakes and gives and incentive.

[phrog]

It seems to me if one needs an incentive to act moraly then the need detracts form the morality of the act. Can a charitable act be truly charitable and cui bono at the same time?

[minorwork]

There has to be some reward to justify "Kissing Hank's Ass."

[lorryfach]

This reminds me of a debate currently waging on a parenting list I'm on. Is punishment the most effective form of discipline? To argue that religion is a valid way to keep people in line is to say yes. Fear of god/hell is pretty much the same as fear of being spanked/grounded/whatever, just on a bigger scale. IMO, that's a crappy way to go about things. Wouldn't you rather people avoid stealing because they know it's wrong than just because it would get them grounded/jailed/sent to hell?

A god who sends his "children" to hell for wrongdoing is an abusive parent. I don't condone that.

[phrog]

Wow, I've never heard the analogy comparing spanking to hell. That's pretty good. I'm going to have to file that one away. I like it!

[phrog]

Come to think if it, I've had some pretty hellatious spankings when I was a young buck!