I was raised Catholic and this was never an issue back in those halcyon days. Now I have to rely on my feelings. Some are the residue of my former faith but most are dependent on my capacity for empathy. This has grown as I’ve matured so that I’m am anti war and anti death penalty. I am also anti abortion after viability… but not for first term fetuses.
I don't believe that morality is all about how we are raised or taught. Nor do I believe that the human animal (w/ our developed brains) is inherently loving, kind, compassionate, and unselfish.
It comes for a higher power. Deep inside of us, there is a sanctuary of peace and a rocket ship of strength and fearlessness, I believe that is where God exists.
It maybe that in our most raw and vulnerable moments that we are closest to God. There is a reason why a good cry begins our healing.
But, if we look closely, God is all about in our day to day journey. Why is that we have a good feeling inside us, when we help a stranger or exchange smiles with someone in need?
People without religion can have a moral code too.
For me, the philosophy of Jesus is great, irrespective of the divine stuff.
Narcissists have very little and most of our “leaders” suffer from this personality disorder. Their moral code is all self serving.
He believed in organized religion. He was the Founder of The Catholic Church. He cannot be separated from the Divine. The Blessed Sacrament calls us to worship with our fellow
Catholics. That is his ongoing gift.
“And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.” Matthew 28:18-20*.
This is not the words of a great philosopher. This man is either a complete lunatic or the Son of God. It’s either or.
Many many humans believe they are their own gods and therefore have the ability to decide what is moral and what is not. Of course, it's all subject to change.
Link: https://samharris.org/the-myth-of-secular-moral-chaos/
I'm just trying to get past his assertion that the Nazi crematoria were direct descendants of medieval Christians. Bizarre.
I think the best argument against Sam's perspective is that science, blindly followed, is no better as a dogma and in some cases worse. But I do agree with him that religion is not a necessary component to morality.
And his "supposed" religious position...Hmmmmm , wonder why?
