Thanks...and a side note on morals.
I just wanted to thank everyone for their comments on my last post--I had intended to reply, but felt a bit overwhelmed when I began. I didn't want people to think I had ignored their heartfelt responses, though, so I thank you all!
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As a side note, I want to clear up a major misconception. It seems a lot of believers (not just Christians, but monotheists in general) have a hard time with the concept of atheistic or non-God-based morality. I understand that, as you feel you have a direct line to ultimate truth. Still, I am a bit flabbergasted that so many people think that without God, there is nothing to base morals on. One person here even told me I can't have real morals because I don't know the "true value" of anything.
Ahem.
Both of my parents (one Christian, one spiritual atheist) taught me to take other people, places and things into consideration at all times. They taught me to treat others with compassion, to be honest, and to abhor hatred and violence. I do not require a belief in God to understand that hurting someone is wrong. I do not need to be a Christian to know that stealing is dishonest. I do not need to be baptized to want to help others less fortunate. I don't need to wear a crucifix to be honest with myself or others. My morals are based, quite simply, on not wanting to harm others. God or no God, this still applies.
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As a side note, I want to clear up a major misconception. It seems a lot of believers (not just Christians, but monotheists in general) have a hard time with the concept of atheistic or non-God-based morality. I understand that, as you feel you have a direct line to ultimate truth. Still, I am a bit flabbergasted that so many people think that without God, there is nothing to base morals on. One person here even told me I can't have real morals because I don't know the "true value" of anything.
Ahem.
Both of my parents (one Christian, one spiritual atheist) taught me to take other people, places and things into consideration at all times. They taught me to treat others with compassion, to be honest, and to abhor hatred and violence. I do not require a belief in God to understand that hurting someone is wrong. I do not need to be a Christian to know that stealing is dishonest. I do not need to be baptized to want to help others less fortunate. I don't need to wear a crucifix to be honest with myself or others. My morals are based, quite simply, on not wanting to harm others. God or no God, this still applies.