Absolute Morality

[nailit]

Is there such a thing as absolute morality?
Religionists are quick to point out that their own 'holy book' contains morals that are for all time and apply to all people, in all places
I contend that morals are subjective (and societal). There is no common law that ALL people agree upon, in ALL times, in ALL places.
If I was living in Victorian England in the 19th century I would very probably see nothing wrong in executing a 10 yr old for stealing a sheep. But I don't live in 19th century Victorian England.
The ancient Hebrews saw nothing amiss with stoning to death homosexuals, Sabbath breakers or women that didn't bleed on their wedding night. Beats the hell out of me how this can be seen as moral and yet bible believers can tell me that this book (The Bible) contains absolute moral values.
There are no 'morals' as such in nature, only societal norms.
Am I wrong???

[dunnitall]

No! You are not wrong. Religionists will site everything to make their case 'normal'...ha ha bleeding ha. Humans will always manipulate the truth to suit their means. Mo...depends upon what you believe is the truth. Kill all despots and those who don't see sense. Oh dear..wait...one today cannot one,s point of views because one will be labelled against society. Oh whoe is Effin me!

[nailit]

//No! You are not wrong.//
Well that's one nil so far Dunitall ;-)
Waits for the usual religionists to start 'quoting' their holy texts at me as 'proof'

[fender62]

religious will say..

[nailit]

//religious will say..
Context//
Yes fender, had that one shoved down my neck a million times by religious nutters when I started to question the Bible.

[fender62]

nailit, it's true though... religion contradicts pick n mix, either take it all on board or dump it, people try to make excuses for it, or your not taking the context...blub

[Theland]

A great question and the cartoon is also extremely challenging.
Allot of homework to be done there.
This needs many hours of research.

[Old_Geezer]

Are morals not of an IF xxx THEN yyy nature ? Is so they can be absolute but complex enough to be variable depending on circumstance.

[AZardoz]

Nailit, you nailed it.

[Old_Geezer]

Of course your main problem is assuming that the Christian bible holds all the information for you to know about absolute morality. The chances of that are quantum in size. You're better off extracting morality from philosophical discussion.

[Theland]

Think! Without an absolute morality, then I am the arbiter of my own morality.
Why work like you fools, when I can watch you work, and simply steal from you? OK in MY moral code.
I feel randy. Just go rape? Why not? Does not compromise MY morality!
My morality therefore consists of doing what I feel like doing that makes me happy and never consider the consequences for others.
I am the centre of the universe.
You are nothing!

[Old_Geezer]

Unless you can convince others, your view of morality holds little sway. You'd need to debate all that in order to support your case. Untimately though, you are right, your morality is yours. However unless accepted universally it can't be considered absolute.

[fender62]

without the bible or any other religious texts, man would have still formed societies, social cohesion working together for the common good, tribes come to mind...now over millennia we have made great strides, i would say only held back by religion, that old chestnut erm it's gods will, what will be will be..no science was scorned less it took the churches view on creation and the stars, anyway back to wha i was saying, we would probably be living on other planets by now, if religion took no part in mans history.

[AZardoz]

Theland, I think you missed the point.
Read the OP. Key words "societal norms".
We deal with those who go ape on their own trip.
Well, usually.

[mibn2cweus]

Rational people appreciate the mutual benefits inherent in practicing and upholding mutually agreed rules of cooperation and conduct based upon the acknowledgment of personal responsibility for ones own life well-being and the consequences of their choices and actions while keeping those who don't out of harms way.

Reality is the final arbiter of right and wrong as demonstrated by the consequences of thinking and acting accordingly.

[Theland]

Mibs - Pop into the Post Office and buy a bag of commas.
Your very interesting posts need some breathers.

[beso]

Theland //I feel randy. Just go rape? Why not? Does not compromise MY morality!//

Rape is perfectly fine according to the Bible. And slavery too.