[tdadams]

The moral law is generally attributed to G-d because social interactions are too complex for people to understand.

That's not necessarily true, otherwise atheists would have no sense of morality, no guidance as to right and wrong. Surely you're not making that claim, are you?

Suppose that you and I, being principled moralists, refused to own slaves or associate with anyone who did. Should we care that others own slaves?

Of course. Ownership of a human being deprives that person of their rights and their self-determination. That's not a valid comparison at all.

We're going to continue to disagree.

[ArGee]

That's not necessarily true, otherwise atheists would have no sense of morality, no guidance as to right and wrong. Surely you're not making that claim, are you?

I am making the claim that the primary reason atheists have a sense of morality is that they are not raised in an atheistic culture. I actually believe they have consciences which are placed there by G-d, but without specific revelation from Him, they would find rationalizations to ignore their consciences.

Of course. Ownership of a human being deprives that person of their rights and their self-determination. That's not a valid comparison at all.

I understand that. My question is, since neither you or I are black (an assumption on my part) why would we care? Be aware that I believe we should care. I can articulate my reason why. I'm asking you to articulate yours. Put more generally and less racially, why should those in the ruling class care if the ruling class behaves morally?

Shalom.