I'm sure many of us have heard someone say something along the lines of, "if there's no god, then why not pursue a life of pleasure in detriment to all else?"
Excessive drugs, sex, games, spending...anything that gives you that dopamine rush is all fair game when there's no god or afterlife.
Besides being a childish assertion on the part of the believer who thinks they need a father figure to live a reasonable life, it's a ridiculous question. However, sometimes I have trouble putting a reply into words that wouldn't invite more ridiculous comments and questions on an average atheist's lifestyle choices.
How do you shut down people who keep asking such things? I could go into physical changes to the brain such as cell death or alterations to dopamine receptor density which could cause tolerance and anhedonia but ...meh. :-\ I could go into how the single-minded pursuit of pleasure isn't a viable life strategy, but...meh. :-\
I could mention that all play and no work made Jack a dull boy (or was it the other way round? :???: Oh well. :P )
Thoughts?
I tell people that I don't want to live my life like that. If they think that I should they are welcome to that opinion. If they choose to live that way then they are welcome to that choice.
Quote from: jumbojak on May 01, 2019, 01:48:36 AM
I tell people that I don't want to live my life like that. If they think that I should they are welcome to that opinion. If they choose to live that way then they are welcome to that choice.
That's a good reply. :chin:
I may not be clever but given enough time I can usually hit the nail on the head. I wind up with lots of busted thumbs on the way though.
Quote from: jumbojak on May 01, 2019, 02:28:59 AM
I may not be clever but given enough time I can usually hit the nail on the head. I wind up with lots of busted thumbs on the way though.
You are clever, you've said many insightful things before.
*looks at own thumb*
*hides thumb* :shifty:
Ask whether they would be doing all those things if they lost their faith. If not, why not, and what would be stopping them from doing all those "bad" things.
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on April 30, 2019, 11:31:10 PM
I'm sure many of us have heard someone say something along the lines of, "if there's no god, then why not pursue a life of pleasure in detriment to all else?"
Excessive drugs, sex, games, spending...anything that gives you that dopamine rush is all fair game when there's no god or afterlife.
Besides being a childish assertion on the part of the believer who thinks they need a father figure to live a reasonable life, it's a ridiculous question. However, sometimes I have trouble putting a reply into words that wouldn't invite more ridiculous comments and questions on an average atheist's lifestyle choices.
How do you shut down people who keep asking such things? I could go into physical changes to the brain such as cell death or alterations to dopamine receptor density which could cause tolerance and anhedonia but ...meh. :-\ I could go into how the single-minded pursuit of pleasure isn't a viable life strategy, but...meh. :-\
I could mention that all play and no work made Jack a dull boy (or was it the other way round? :???: Oh well. :P )
Thoughts?
I would probably say to them that the idea had never crossed my mind but I find it interesting that
they contemplate it. :eyebrow:
Also, I would ask them if they agree with this translation of a popular saying among the religious community:
(https://memyselfandjesus.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/417655_537924759564125_203388932_n1.jpg)
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on April 30, 2019, 11:31:10 PM
I'm sure many of us have heard someone say something along the lines of, "if there's no god, then why not pursue a life of pleasure in detriment to all else?"
Excessive drugs, sex, games, spending...anything that gives you that dopamine rush is all fair game when there's no god or afterlife.
That'd probably be a reasonable life style if your lifespan was no more than 48 hours.
It takes decades to wring maximum pleasure from a life so you have to pace yourself.
I don't see anything wrong with a pursuit of pleasure but I don't know why it should be "in detriment to all else."
It could please you to be nice to people, dolphins, trees, children, small dogs even.
The version of this question I have encountered is "if there is no god why don't you just go around stealing from people or even killing them as much as you want?" To which I reply, I do. Just as much as I want. How much I want, however, is not at all. Why do you need to be told by some magic man in the sky that it is bad to do these things?
Quote from: hermes2015 on May 01, 2019, 04:11:19 AM
Ask whether they would be doing all those things if they lost their faith. If not, why not, and what would be stopping them from doing all those "bad" things.
Yes, that's a good question, but in my experience the answer is usually something like "if there is no god then we're not accountable to anyone", which is incredibly childish and antisocial to fellow human beings.
At that point I usually just slowly distance myself from them and hope they don't kill me.
Quote from: Magdalena on May 01, 2019, 05:00:07 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on April 30, 2019, 11:31:10 PM
I'm sure many of us have heard someone say something along the lines of, "if there's no god, then why not pursue a life of pleasure in detriment to all else?"
Excessive drugs, sex, games, spending...anything that gives you that dopamine rush is all fair game when there's no god or afterlife.
Besides being a childish assertion on the part of the believer who thinks they need a father figure to live a reasonable life, it's a ridiculous question. However, sometimes I have trouble putting a reply into words that wouldn't invite more ridiculous comments and questions on an average atheist's lifestyle choices.
How do you shut down people who keep asking such things? I could go into physical changes to the brain such as cell death or alterations to dopamine receptor density which could cause tolerance and anhedonia but ...meh. :-\ I could go into how the single-minded pursuit of pleasure isn't a viable life strategy, but...meh. :-\
I could mention that all play and no work made Jack a dull boy (or was it the other way round? :???: Oh well. :P )
Thoughts?
I would probably say to them that the idea had never crossed my mind but I find it interesting that they contemplate it. :eyebrow:
Also, I would ask them if they agree with this translation of a popular saying among the religious community:
(https://memyselfandjesus.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/417655_537924759564125_203388932_n1.jpg)
Yes! :lol:
That "only God can judge me" sounds incredibly convenient, doesn't it? ::)
Quote from: Bad Penny II on May 01, 2019, 11:03:15 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on April 30, 2019, 11:31:10 PM
I'm sure many of us have heard someone say something along the lines of, "if there's no god, then why not pursue a life of pleasure in detriment to all else?"
Excessive drugs, sex, games, spending...anything that gives you that dopamine rush is all fair game when there's no god or afterlife.
That'd probably be a reasonable life style if your lifespan was no more than 48 hours.
It takes decades to wring maximum pleasure from a life so you have to pace yourself.
I don't see anything wrong with a pursuit of pleasure but I don't know why it should be "in detriment to all else."
It could please you to be nice to people, dolphins, trees, children, small dogs even.
Yes, you have a point about the lifespan.
I also don't see anything wrong with the pursuit of pleasure in itself, but that's why I added 'excessive'. If someone wants to do some drugs for instance, that's their problem, but when their life becomes nothing but craving and pursuing their next fix or high, then there's a serious problem. Such people are a drain on significant others, family and society.
Also, pleasure doesn't always equal happiness.
Quote from: Bluenose on May 01, 2019, 01:50:13 PM
The version of this question I have encountered is "if there is no god why don't you just go around stealing from people or even killing them as much as you want?" To which I reply, I do. Just as much as I want. How much I want, however, is not at all. Why do you need to be told by some magic man in the sky that it is bad to do these things?
:grin:
Do you slowly add some space between yourself and them as well?
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on May 01, 2019, 02:51:42 PM
Also, pleasure doesn't always equal happiness.
:???: :-\
If there not offering the drugs, sex, money, or games, I inform them that they can kiss my left ball, and make my right one jealous.
I point out that the consequences of the here and now world would be more than enough for me, were I ever tempted to run riot.
Just remember the 11th commandment, and keep it wholly:
"Thou shalt not get caught".
Quote from: No one on May 01, 2019, 03:18:00 PM
If there not offering the drugs, sex, money, or games, I inform them that they can kiss my left ball, and make my right one jealous.
Okay...I can't do that! :lol:
Quote from: Sandra Craft on May 01, 2019, 06:15:04 PM
I point out that the consequences of the here and now world would be more than enough for me, were I ever tempted to run riot.
:thumbsup: I see a trend...
Quote from: Dark Lightning on May 01, 2019, 06:18:01 PM
Just remember the 11th commandment, and keep it wholly:
"Thou shalt not get caught".
:lol:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.trackie.com%2Ftrack-and-field%2Fimg%2Flayout%2Ficon_quote.jpg&hash=c5a9d5ac5c9c0366d813e18a50510fe9aa16bfc2)This guy:
If there not offering the drugs, sex, money, or games, I inform them that they can kiss my left ball, and make my right one jealous.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.trackie.com%2Ftrack-and-field%2Fimg%2Flayout%2Ficon_quote.jpg&hash=c5a9d5ac5c9c0366d813e18a50510fe9aa16bfc2)Aregentium:
Okay...I can't do that!
I'm sure you have something to offer. (https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fweb.stardock.net%2Fimages%2Fsmiles%2Fthemes%2Fdigicons%2FThumbs%2520Up.png&hash=e8ea77880ad2978fd09f5791a5436d85008666d2) (https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fweb.stardock.net%2Fimages%2Fsmiles%2Fthemes%2Fdigicons%2FGagged.png&hash=9b545d9c6babbe58bf3eb16c42e338f7edf55876)
Quote from: No one on May 01, 2019, 11:58:38 PM
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.trackie.com%2Ftrack-and-field%2Fimg%2Flayout%2Ficon_quote.jpg&hash=c5a9d5ac5c9c0366d813e18a50510fe9aa16bfc2)This guy:
If there not offering the drugs, sex, money, or games, I inform them that they can kiss my left ball, and make my right one jealous.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.trackie.com%2Ftrack-and-field%2Fimg%2Flayout%2Ficon_quote.jpg&hash=c5a9d5ac5c9c0366d813e18a50510fe9aa16bfc2)Aregentium:
Okay...I can't do that!
I'm sure you have something to offer. (https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fweb.stardock.net%2Fimages%2Fsmiles%2Fthemes%2Fdigicons%2FThumbs%2520Up.png&hash=e8ea77880ad2978fd09f5791a5436d85008666d2) (https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fweb.stardock.net%2Fimages%2Fsmiles%2Fthemes%2Fdigicons%2FGagged.png&hash=9b545d9c6babbe58bf3eb16c42e338f7edf55876)
:notsure: I can purchase two tennis balls...and throw them at the person asking. :grin:
Bowling balls would make a more dramatic statement.
Quote from: No one on May 02, 2019, 12:39:39 AM
Bowling balls would make a more dramatic statement.
Yes but they're so much more difficult to conceal. :sad sigh:
Bocce balls then?
Quote from: No one on May 02, 2019, 02:22:50 AM
Bocce balls then?
I think those could work. :smilenod:
"Only God can judge me"....then how the hell is it that the Jesus people assume so ngatively judgemental an attitude toward, atheists, gays, hippies and anyone else not cut in their own mould?
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.trackie.com%2Ftrack-and-field%2Fimg%2Flayout%2Ficon_quote.jpg&hash=c5a9d5ac5c9c0366d813e18a50510fe9aa16bfc2) Gandhi:
I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.
Quote from: Icarus on May 02, 2019, 03:11:45 AM
"Only God can judge me"....then how the hell is it that the Jesus people assume so ngatively judgemental an attitude toward, atheists, gays, hippies and anyone else not cut in their own mould?
I saw a meme about that yesterday: "Only God can judge me; translation: go away and let me sin in peace."
Quote from: Sandra Craft on May 03, 2019, 02:54:59 AM
Quote from: Icarus on May 02, 2019, 03:11:45 AM
"Only God can judge me"....then how the hell is it that the Jesus people assume so ngatively judgemental an attitude toward, atheists, gays, hippies and anyone else not cut in their own mould?
I saw a meme about that yesterday: "Only God can judge me; translation: go away and let me sin in peace."
http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=16175.msg387160#msg387160 (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=16175.msg387160#msg387160)
I knew that looked familiar! ;D
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on May 03, 2019, 03:06:34 AM
I knew that looked familiar! ;D
Oh yeah -- I was thinking I saw it on FB.
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on May 01, 2019, 02:55:33 PM
Quote from: Bluenose on May 01, 2019, 01:50:13 PM
The version of this question I have encountered is "if there is no god why don't you just go around stealing from people or even killing them as much as you want?" To which I reply, I do. Just as much as I want. How much I want, however, is not at all. Why do you need to be told by some magic man in the sky that it is bad to do these things?
:grin:
Do you slowly add some space between yourself and them as well?
Indeed. It amuses me that these people do not realise that effectively saying they don't go around doing all sorts of mayhem simply because they think their invisible friend told them not to is really scary as all get out!
Quote from: Bluenose on May 03, 2019, 04:30:37 AM
Indeed. It amuses me that these people do not realise that effectively saying they don't go around doing all sorts of mayhem simply because they think their invisible friend told them not to is really scary as all get out!
I hear "I want to do cruel and destructive things and I rationalize this by telling myself that everyone else wants to do them too." And yes, it does make me feel like inching away from them.
What I want to know is why we don't kill all children at birth.
They get a special place in heaven, it's explained somewhere.
I missed out on the hookers and blow when I was a good little Catholic boy. Now I'm an atheist and still don't indulge. Where did I go wrong? :query:
Quote from: Bad Penny II on May 03, 2019, 03:53:22 PM
What I want to know is why we don't kill all children at birth.
They get a special place in heaven, it's explained somewhere.
A good pro-abortion argument. If fetuses have a soul then wouldn't it be better to abort them before they have the chance to grow and become irredeemable sinners? ::)
Well, the RCC used to say that unbaptized babies (ought to qualify as a fetus) go to Limbo, which is a place they stay "forever". But then, much to my shock, ::) Limbo was declared null and void.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pope-limbo/catholic-church-buries-limbo-after-centuries-idUSL2028721620070420
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on April 30, 2019, 11:31:10 PM
I'm sure many of us have heard someone say something along the lines of, "if there's no god, then why not pursue a life of pleasure in detriment to all else?"
Excessive drugs, sex, games, spending...anything that gives you that dopamine rush is all fair game when there's no god or afterlife.
Besides being a childish assertion on the part of the believer who thinks they need a father figure to live a reasonable life, it's a ridiculous question. However, sometimes I have trouble putting a reply into words that wouldn't invite more ridiculous comments and questions on an average atheist's lifestyle choices.
How do you shut down people who keep asking such things? I could go into physical changes to the brain such as cell death or alterations to dopamine receptor density which could cause tolerance and anhedonia but ...meh. :-\ I could go into how the single-minded pursuit of pleasure isn't a viable life strategy, but...meh. :-\
I could mention that all play and no work made Jack a dull boy (or was it the other way round? :???: Oh well. :P )
Thoughts?
Humans have evolved to be a balance between altruistic and selfish. Altruistic because we are a social animal that cannot reproduce (in the long term) in isolation. Selfish because the unselfish ones died out. So there is an innate behavioural requirement not to act like a dick for most people most of the time. No god required, we have evolved this way.
Quote from: Tank on May 04, 2019, 08:17:45 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on April 30, 2019, 11:31:10 PM
I'm sure many of us have heard someone say something along the lines of, "if there's no god, then why not pursue a life of pleasure in detriment to all else?"
Excessive drugs, sex, games, spending...anything that gives you that dopamine rush is all fair game when there's no god or afterlife.
Besides being a childish assertion on the part of the believer who thinks they need a father figure to live a reasonable life, it's a ridiculous question. However, sometimes I have trouble putting a reply into words that wouldn't invite more ridiculous comments and questions on an average atheist's lifestyle choices.
How do you shut down people who keep asking such things? I could go into physical changes to the brain such as cell death or alterations to dopamine receptor density which could cause tolerance and anhedonia but ...meh. :-\ I could go into how the single-minded pursuit of pleasure isn't a viable life strategy, but...meh. :-\
I could mention that all play and no work made Jack a dull boy (or was it the other way round? :???: Oh well. :P )
Thoughts?
Humans have evolved to be a balance between altruistic and selfish. Altruistic because we are a social animal that cannot reproduce (in the long term) in isolation. Selfish because the unselfish ones died out. So there is an innate behavioural requirement not to act like a dick for most people most of the time. No god required, we have evolved this way.
Can't find fault with that but try talking facts and reason to a bible-thumper. :-\ Going into evolution would open a whole other can of icky worms.
A little humor here........https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9KlMWzKj4s Wait for the punch line.
Quote from: Icarus on May 04, 2019, 11:49:02 PM
A little humor here........https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9KlMWzKj4s Wait for the punch line.
I would try the
Darwin Genuine Draft... :thoughtful:
Quote from: Magdalena on May 05, 2019, 04:21:01 AM
Quote from: Icarus on May 04, 2019, 11:49:02 PM
A little humor here........https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9KlMWzKj4s Wait for the punch line.
I would try the Darwin Genuine Draft... :thoughtful:
Does it come in a Darwin stubby?
(https://res3.graysonline.com/handlers/imagehandler.ashx?t=sh&id=17352280&s=n&index=0&ts=636511951570000000)
Quote from: Bad Penny II on May 05, 2019, 11:07:46 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 05, 2019, 04:21:01 AM
Quote from: Icarus on May 04, 2019, 11:49:02 PM
A little humor here........https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9KlMWzKj4s Wait for the punch line.
I would try the Darwin Genuine Draft... :thoughtful:
Does it come in a Darwin stubby?
(https://res3.graysonline.com/handlers/imagehandler.ashx?t=sh&id=17352280&s=n&index=0&ts=636511951570000000)
I'm a small woman so when I drink from those huge bottles I have to hold them like this:
(https://jimflanigan.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/trump-drinking.gif?w=358)
Quote from: Magdalena on May 05, 2019, 06:47:20 PM
Quote from: Bad Penny II on May 05, 2019, 11:07:46 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 05, 2019, 04:21:01 AM
Quote from: Icarus on May 04, 2019, 11:49:02 PM
A little humor here........https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9KlMWzKj4s Wait for the punch line.
I would try the Darwin Genuine Draft... :thoughtful:
Does it come in a Darwin stubby?
(https://res3.graysonline.com/handlers/imagehandler.ashx?t=sh&id=17352280&s=n&index=0&ts=636511951570000000)
I'm a small woman so when I drink from those huge bottles I have to hold them like this:
(https://jimflanigan.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/trump-drinking.gif?w=358)
Oh, please, please, choke on that water! :-[
Quote from: Dark Lightning on May 06, 2019, 03:11:01 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 05, 2019, 06:47:20 PM
Quote from: Bad Penny II on May 05, 2019, 11:07:46 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 05, 2019, 04:21:01 AM
Quote from: Icarus on May 04, 2019, 11:49:02 PM
A little humor here........https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9KlMWzKj4s Wait for the punch line.
I would try the Darwin Genuine Draft... :thoughtful:
Does it come in a Darwin stubby?
(https://res3.graysonline.com/handlers/imagehandler.ashx?t=sh&id=17352280&s=n&index=0&ts=636511951570000000)
I'm a small woman so when I drink from those huge bottles I have to hold them like this:
(https://jimflanigan.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/trump-drinking.gif?w=358)
Oh, please, please, choke on that water! :-[
:tellmemore:
Yes. Please.
Late to the thread...
QuoteIf there's no god, then why not pursue a life of pleasure in detriment to all else?
We have social contracts because we don't want certain things done to us, so we "agree" not to do those things to other people. Because you do not want to be raped and murdered, you do not rape and murder other people. It does get more complicated, but that's the essence of it. If you want to be able to have things that are yours, you have to agree to not taking things that are other people's.
Quote from: Icarus on May 04, 2019, 11:49:02 PM
A little humor here........https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9KlMWzKj4s Wait for the punch line.
:lol: That's good!
Quote from: Magdalena on May 05, 2019, 06:47:20 PM
Quote from: Bad Penny II on May 05, 2019, 11:07:46 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 05, 2019, 04:21:01 AM
Quote from: Icarus on May 04, 2019, 11:49:02 PM
A little humor here........https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9KlMWzKj4s Wait for the punch line.
I would try the Darwin Genuine Draft... :thoughtful:
Does it come in a Darwin stubby?
(https://res3.graysonline.com/handlers/imagehandler.ashx?t=sh&id=17352280&s=n&index=0&ts=636511951570000000)
I'm a small woman so when I drink from those huge bottles I have to hold them like this:
(https://jimflanigan.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/trump-drinking.gif?w=358)
You'll have to excuse Trump, he has small hands. ;D
Quote from: Davin on May 06, 2019, 06:18:15 PM
Late to the thread...
QuoteIf there's no god, then why not pursue a life of pleasure in detriment to all else?
We have social contracts because we don't want certain things done to us, so we "agree" not to do those things to other people. Because you do not want to be raped and murdered, you do not rape and murder other people. It does get more complicated, but that's the essence of it. If you want to be able to have things that are yours, you have to agree to not taking things that are other people's.
Yes, I think in a way moral behaviour in general is an emergent property of societies and not handed down to people from an objective source such as gods or even governments...social contracts. :thumbsup:
Of course, though, the societies in question would have to be reasonably well-off and not in a crisis that would cause people to fight for their most basic survival -- food, water, shelter, etc. Otherwise, I would imagine there could even be groups that cooperate but they would be much smaller tribes and the 'Us versus Them' mentality would be more pronounced.
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on May 06, 2019, 10:43:36 PM
Quote from: Davin on May 06, 2019, 06:18:15 PM
Late to the thread...
QuoteIf there's no god, then why not pursue a life of pleasure in detriment to all else?
We have social contracts because we don't want certain things done to us, so we "agree" not to do those things to other people. Because you do not want to be raped and murdered, you do not rape and murder other people. It does get more complicated, but that's the essence of it. If you want to be able to have things that are yours, you have to agree to not taking things that are other people's.
Yes, I think in a way moral behaviour in general is an emergent property of societies and not handed down to people from an objective source such as gods or even governments...social contracts. :thumbsup:
Of course, though, the societies in question would have to be reasonably well-off and not in a crisis that would cause people to fight for their most basic survival -- food, water, shelter, etc. Otherwise, I would imagine there could even be groups that cooperate but they would be much smaller tribes and the 'Us versus Them' mentality would be more pronounced.
The scarcity mindset is a difficult thing to get away from when people are struggling. It's a downward spiral too. People risk the social contract in order to eat in a desperate attempt to live. It's also, at least I think, why crime increases in areas with greater income inequality and/or in places where the pay doesn't cover the cost of living.
I found this:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-q0gJBBeYcQw%2FVMjncQW2iII%2FAAAAAAAAEmg%2FqkCkRWzGj6Y%2Fs1600%2FDahmer%252BQuote.jpg&hash=d9f97e5687af792c5d540726d30f0c9557288cc4)
Was he really an atheist?
If he was, I don't know about you guys, but I don't think Jeffrey Dahmer represents most atheists. :notsure:
Most normal humans have empathy.
Dahmer was unusual for an atheist, he did not like babies or kittens. His recipes called for aged meats.
Quote from: Magdalena on May 30, 2019, 05:39:53 AM
I found this:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-q0gJBBeYcQw%2FVMjncQW2iII%2FAAAAAAAAEmg%2FqkCkRWzGj6Y%2Fs1600%2FDahmer%252BQuote.jpg&hash=d9f97e5687af792c5d540726d30f0c9557288cc4)
Was he really an atheist?
If he was, I don't know about you guys, but I don't think Jeffrey Dahmer represents most atheists. :notsure:
I mean the answer is already in the quote. "Acceptable." Clearly people have some idea if what is and is not "acceptable." We can use that to guide behavior.
It's all we have anyway. Even if this god thing existed, we have no objective means of determining what it wants us to do, all we have are self-described flawed humans telling us what the god thing wants. It's like trying to perform heart surgery following the instructions from a person who has no idea what a heart is and who rejects all scientific methods.
god wants everyone to send me $69.00.
If a person thinks there IS
a god to be accountable to,
why can't they modify behaviour?
It's easier to modify what god wants,
or put in a god forgives rubishness.