Posted on 06/20/2005 4:38:37 AM PDT by HarleyD
Apparently He willed it.
Would you consider yourself a Utilitarian, a spiritual descendant of John Stuart Mill?
By definition, I think a sin is a transgression against a religious law, so sin seems to be relative to one's religion.
I believe that God is above our earthly religions, and I believe that we do as God intended, consequently I don't believe we sin against God.
Yes, and also being offensive, mean cruel, etc., but that is just how we are as individuals...some good, some bad, some in between.
I agree, plus, there is some inherent stuff that I believe God put into us.
I agree.
How is a pre-determined, non-free choice, really a choice at all?
You are saying that any system of morality is entirely subjective.
It appears that way to me. Although it also appears that there are some that seem to be inherent in most civilised persons, throughout history. I think, what it really boils down to, is that the subject of morality, for want of better terminology, cannot really be put into a black or white category. That is why I say that we as humans will strive forever, and as hard as we can, to try and find some moral absolutes...but, in reality, there will always be an exception to the rule. I chalk it up as one of God's mysteries, that we probably will never understand or totally agree on.
Have you come to a conclusion about whether taking a human life is right or wrong?
I believe that taking a life is permissible in some circumstances. My authority is the bible for determining those circumstances.
Do you consider God "wholly other", that is to say "God's logic is different that human logic?"
So we agree that taking a human life is not an absolute, but is relative to the situation? I'm glad we agree on something. What I don't understand, is why so many do not approve of moral relativism? It happens all the time, everywhere, I believe it's a large part of what makes us human....the ability to distinguish when something horrible, is OK.
Of course, God is God, we are humans, as a matter of fact, I don't even know if God has logic...isn't it a human trait?. He created us with what we call logic, why should it even matter to Him?
Let's assume you work 20 miles away. God gives you a car and a pair of roller skates. Because you decide to drive to work and not to rollerskate every single time does not mean you don't have a "real" choice.
Does God know which you will choose? I think your choice would be obvious.
God created us as logical, rational beings. We are able to understand His Word in a logical manner.
Didn't God know 1000yrs ago that you would choose the car? Isn't everything that happens after and a result of, already known?
If it was already known what you were going to do, and it is impossible to do something other than what God knows you will do. I still don't see a choice. God knowing what you will do, and the inability of God to be wrong, forces you to make the choice that was known 1000 yrs before your birth.
Besides, how do you really know that you could have chosen differently? I understand you believe you could, but there is no way of knowing.
I agree that we were created as logical human beings, that doesn't mean we are on the same logic level as God, does it?
Logic is logic. Are we on the same level as God? No. However, He knows we are logical beings, and therefore, knows that His Word must also be logical.
stuartcr: "What I don't understand, is why so many do not approve of moral relativism?"
I might become a believer in moral relativism - but it depends on the circumstances. Perhaps if you freepmail me your full name, credit card number and expiration date, your social security number, your phone number, and your address, then I might become a believer in moral relativism. Obviously, anything I choose to do with this information would be up to my own morals or standards of conduct.
Of course our logic is logic, we don't know anything else. Since I believe that God does communicate to us individually, then He must use our logic to communicate with us. I just don't think that a lot of what else God does, is necessarily logical to us.
Right, that will happen...besides, I really don't care how you believe.
I will ask you once again. What is the basis for yoru belief that God talks to individuals directly? And saying it is "self-evident" is not a valid basis for that belief.
The bible, my authority, is the same for all societies, all generations, all ethnic groups, etc.
Your subjective, societal moral relativism changes with the whim of the masses. So what was okay last time in taking a life may not be okay this time, etc.
You didn't answer my question, "Would you consider yourself a Utilitarian, a spiritual descendant of John Stuart Mill?
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