"1) Uniformity of ethics across cultures
2) The idea that the reputation of those attacking morality as more intellectual was an illusion."
In reference to #1, CS Lewis wrote of the DAO or "the way" from which very ancient cultures seem to draw similar views on Ethics, this "way" being far older then all established religion...he also wrote of the "Logos" as being of the same substance as the "Way". John chapter one uses the term "Logos" which the translators define as "Word". John 1:1-3 states..."In the beginning was the Word(LOGOS or DAO...the underlying schema which patterns and undergirds all the has been created into existence"), and the Word was with God and the Word was God". Notice most of the world could accept that part.
Now, here comes the part that has Darkness hating Christianity.... verse 14 "And that WORD was made FLESH..."(God's thumbprint into matter)
"Light has entered darkness and the darkness did not comprehend it" "The entrance of THY WORD bringeth forth Light!"
As for #2,...It started in the Garden..."And the Serpent said, you shall Not surely die, for God knows that when you eat of the tree, you shall become as the Gods, knowing Good from Evil!" Notice the implied insult, and the flattery of potential personal enhancement to a higher level. ("You are scum, God has been lying to you, he is afraid to share his power with you, but if you do what he doesn't want you to do, you'll throw off his impotent yoke and indeed become as God himself...indeed you could throw him off his throne if you really wanted to...your potential is limitless...come on just take a biiiiittttte![insert appropriate whispered sedutive echoie sound effect here])
You'll note that EVE wasn't around yet to 'hear' God tell Adam not to eat.
Was it's Adam lack for either NOT telling Eve about what God had said; or not making sure she understood it?
HE seemed to make no protest at ALL when she offered HIM a bite!