[timm22]

Except, of course, that it is not altruism at all: It is, at most, enlightened self-interest.

Isn't adherence to God's moral code ultimately "enlightened self-interest" as well? After all, assuming that God is real and has given us an identifiable moral code, why should we bother with obeying it?

The answers I see most commonly are:

-To avoid His punishment or receive His reward
-Because as Creator, God knows what kind of system will make us happiest or most prosperous
-Because He told us to obey Him in His rules

The first and second answers are clearly based on self-interest. The third is simply circular reasoning- "we should obey God because God tells us to obey"- and doesn't answer the question.

I've never encountered a moral reason for obeying God's rules. If such a moral reason does exist, does this not suggest that there is some system of ultimate morality existing apart from God?

[PigRigger]

Isn't adherence to God's moral code ultimately "enlightened self-interest"

Not necessarily....in this plain of existence, adhering to God's moral code could very well be life threatening....in many ways, His laws conflict with the laws of men...

"I've never encountered a moral reason for obeying God's rules."

For me as a Christian, it is my desire to become one with the Creator, to become part of His reality....is it moral to desire such....that's not for me to decide.....but it is what drives my Christian faith....my actions, whether good or bad, will not have an impact as to my becoming one with my Creator...my faith and love of God will...

[Mr. Silverback]

I've never encountered a moral reason for obeying God's rules.

"If you love me, you will obey what I command."--Jesus, speaking in John 14:15.