Actually, rational ethics benefit all mankind, even those that robotically kneel to pray.
Regarding the depth and breath of rational and religious ethics, every decision a human makes is an ethical decision -- requiring the use of reason to determine right from wrong -- and only a small fraction of all human decisions are covered by codified religious edicts.
See the difference?
If men are to be ruled, the enemy is reason. -- Ayn Rand
This is little better than simply saying, "IS TOO!" in this debate. It is nothing more than a restatement of your thesis without any new supporting argument or evidence. Certainly it is not any more convincing than the original post.
Regarding the depth and breath of rational and religious ethics, every decision a human makes is an ethical decision -- requiring the use of reason to determine right from wrong -- and only a small fraction of all human decisions are covered by codified religious edicts.
Okay, let's deal with this one. I will answer from my own peculiar Christian standpoint, and I will confess my ignorance in answering for other religions. Beginning with a few quotes from Jesus:
John 5:19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.According to what Jesus was saying here, rather than a small fraction of all His decisions being covered by codified religious edicts, ALL of His decisions, His judgements, the things HE did, and even His words, were not His own, but were from God his Father. Thus, in His own life, He made EVERY decision a religious decision.John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
John 12:49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
But you are probably right about "codified religious edicts." Jesus was not living by "codified religious edicts" but by a perfect relationship with God his Father. His apostles later lived by their own close relationships with the Father. This is why one of them could write "All things are lawful to me but not all things are expedient." and "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin." These two do not contradict one another, but speak of a life in which every decision, word, and deed proceed either from God or from an ungodly source.
See the difference?
I'll see you and raise you one.