js1138 But of course that is exactly why we have governments, laws and police. And why such institutions can fail so quickly when they lose the support of the majority.
Of course, but we were speaking of morality.
I tried to start a discussion of the origin or authority for morality and had pretty much no takers.
I understand the claim to the authority of the Bible, but I see people every day who have extended their understanding of morality beyond what is required by the Bible.
For example, there is nothing in the Bible that says it is immoral to own another person as chattel or to beat the person to near death for failure to obey orders, and yet most people consider this to be immoral.
Similarly, there is no prohibition in the Bible of cruelty to animals, and yet most people cringe at the thought of hurting a dog or cat for pleasure.