[AnalogReigns]

The problem with fascism and communism, however, is not that they are too critical of religion; the problem is that they are too much like religions.

Actually, both fascism and communism are only made possible by atheistic philosophic assumptions.

Locke also was right, not only can the promises of an atheist not be trusted--but neither can ethics in general. If one really believes he is unaccountable to anyone--he is more likely live amorally--without fear of penalty for doing wrong to others--having one's only "ethic" as what he can get away with... As a matter of fact, atheism has no basis of understanding right or wrong in the first place. One cannot know ought from is, or morals from behavior....ultimately, without a law giver, there is no law.

[EnderWiggins]

"Actually, both fascism and communism are only made possible by atheistic philosophic assumptions. "

Except of course for religiously motivated fascism and communism. Never hear of "liberation theology?" Never heard of Islam?

"If one really believes he is unaccountable to anyone--he is more likely live amorally--without fear of penalty for doing wrong to others--having one's only "ethic" as what he can get away with..."

And where, pray tell, is the spot on the planet where anybody can be "unaccountable to anyone?" Last I looked, most places have laws that hold people accountable whether they are theists or atheists. I know that whenever I get a speeding ticket it never seems to matter to the cop what my religion is.

"As a matter of fact, atheism has no basis of understanding right or wrong in the first place."

Huh?

How do you figure? It seems to me insanely easy to understand right from wrong. If I don't want somebody doing something to me, it's wrong to do it to them. It's called empathy. Even bonobos have it.

"One cannot know ought from is, or morals from behavior....ultimately, without a law giver, there is no law."

Only if you are a psychopath. Thankfully, that would only be about 1% of us.