Where would we be without the moral guidance of the church?

[LazyGun]

One of the arguments often offered as a justification of the value of religion to society is that it offers a moral compass - us atheists, heck humanity as a whole would just be a bunch of lying, thieving murdering philandering scum were it not for the rectitude and moral leadership of the church.... I am sure we have all heard that argument :)

Gotta love this story in the NY Times then.... venal, bling- wearing church leader flashes a ridiculously,ostentatiously expensive watch, which is caught in a press image. Then, the church - when questioned about the suitability of a church leader wearing bling worth more than most can earn in a year - rather than fessing up and castigating the wearer of said jewellery, promptly attempts to back the lies and denials being fed to the media by the head of their russian orthodox church by photoshopping the image to remove the watch!

Yet another example of the self serving nature of many of those in the church, it seems to me...

http://www.nytimes.co...s-sleeve.html?_r=3&hp

[naomi24]

I went completely off the rails when I abandoned religion. Still not back on them. ;o)

[ludwig]

Me too. The day after I stopped believing in god I mugged an old lady. I just thought 'Fook it - why not eh?'.

[mike11111]

Christ Almighty! Birdie got a conscience?

[mibn2cweus]

//Where Would We Be Without The Moral Guidance Of The Church?//

Riding a unicorn . . . in the land of the blueberries?

[naomi24]

^^ Thought you'd been there, mibs. ;o)

Mike blaspheming!! I'm shocked!!

[flobadob]

I think that Americans are more led by the churches values. Over this side of the pond I don't think we look to the church for guidance so much.

I remember watching one of the Baldwins on big brother or something, bible bashing and whatnot. All I thought was, what sins is that man repenting for.

[DTCwordfan]

If we didnt have "Church" values, we would be innudated with threads like "My wife's a prostitute" that has been the source of mucho-fun this afternoon.

[humbersloop]

According to Rowan Wiliams OP, apparently a lot worse off. In some vague way.

http://www.guardian.c...-stalemate-archbishop

[LazyGun]

Yep, a religious leader once again ignoring reality.

[naomi24]

//But there are a few signs that the climate is shifting ever so slightly," //

Perhaps not so slightly - and not in the way he would wish.

[starone]

This is a street with 52 houses in, some with several people living in them. Only one household has regular church-goers. Can't think the rest of them have much recourse to moral guidance from the church. The pub perhaps, or the football ground, or the betting shop.

[RATTER15]

Which reminds me, the Bible says I can sell my daughter as a sex slave, what is the going rate these days for a sex slave?

[jomifl]

Ratter, have you thought of having an auction, I can think of at least one ABer who would put in a bid if she is under 9 years of age :o)

[RATTER15]

jomifl, Unfortunately she is not nine and in fact is unmarried and not a virgin, also she is an Atheist, im sure that particular person you have in mind would probably want her stoned to death.

However I thank you for you suggestion, I could have done with a few quid just now as well!!dammit

[jomifl]

The population of the world would be a lot bigger.