God is not intelligent, or, why I am a pantheist

[Lao Tse]

Then you really do not know what you mean.

It's not about proving anything.

it's that morality has a definition that is fairly specific.

 

[Daylight63]

that's fake gnosticism.

That's what the word means.

 

[Lao Tse]

Not necessarily. YES, I think everyone would agree that most Christians feel their ethics are given to them by God, but it is no real effort to find the ones that make sense even without any sort of God or supernatural thing.

Take Luke 6:31. Yeah it was uttered by Jesus. But the same sentiment has been uttered by just about every religion on the earth. Because it is manifestly rational to treat another person as you want them to treat you. There's no need for any supernatural intervention to understand that.

The rule against murder is another one. One doesn't need God to tell you that murder is wrong. Sure it's part of the Christian ethos, but it is not ONLY understandable as a religious commandment.

Things like "having no god before me", that's not what I would call a moral issue. That's a religious command.

But the ETHICS of loving one another, working to befriend one's enemies, caring for the poor, not hurting other people...those are things which can easily be understood without any reference to religion.

I'm starting to like you.

you nailed it.

 

[Hume]

But the ETHICS of loving one another, working to befriend one's enemies, caring for the poor, not hurting other people...those are things which can easily be understood without any reference to religion.

No, those are strictly Christian.

 

[Hume]

It's not about proving anything.

it's that morality has a definition that is fairly specific.

Reason does not mean defining things.

 

[Daylight63]

No, those are strictly Christian.

So you don't see a rational reason to treat others as you want to be treated? You can't find a non-religious, rational reason to be kind to others?

I don't think those things are exclusively Christian.

 

[Lao Tse]

Reason does not mean defining things.

reason helps in defining things.

 

[Hume]

reason helps in defining things.

That is just language.

 

[Lao Tse]

So you don't see a rational reason to treat others as you want to be treated? You can't find a non-religious, rational reason to be kind to others?

I don't think those things are exclusively Christian.

they're in every religion.

 

[Hume]

So you don't see a rational reason to treat others as you want to be treated?

No. Why would anyone know how I want to be treated?

 

[Hume]

reason helps in defining things.

reason​

1 of 2

noun​

rea·son ˈrē-zᵊn

Synonyms of reason
1
a
: a statement offered in explanation or justification
gave reasons that were quite satisfactory

Definition of REASON

a statement offered in explanation or justification; a rational ground or motive; the thing that makes some fact intelligible : cause… See the full definition

www.merriam-webster.com

 

[Lao Tse]

That is just language.

words mean things.

if you don't want to talk about it that's fine.

morality is the set of attitudes and behaviors that facilitate voluntary, cooperative and mutually beneficial relationships.

 

[Hume]

morality is the set of attitudes and behaviors that facilitate voluntary, cooperative and mutually beneficial relationships.

Does not make it rational.

 

[Lao Tse]

reason​

1 of 2

noun​

rea·son ˈrē-zᵊn

Synonyms of reason
1
a
: a statement offered in explanation or justification
gave reasons that were quite satisfactory

Definition of REASON

a statement offered in explanation or justification; a rational ground or motive; the thing that makes some fact intelligible : cause… See the full definition

www.merriam-webster.com

ok.

reason helps in explaining things.

my sentence is still fine.

what's your problem, masonic confusion boy?

 

[Lao Tse]

Does not make it rational.

it is rational.

nobody MADE it rational.

 

[Hume]

ok.

reason helps in explaining things.

my sentence is still fine.

what's your problem, masonic confusion boy?

You really are an inarticulate jerk.

 

[Hume]

it is rational.

nobody MADE it rational.

You do not know what the word "rational" means.

 

[Lao Tse]

You really are an inarticulate jerk.

so you believe reason does not help in explaining things?

are you dumb?

 

[Hume]

so you believe reason does not help in explaining things?

are you dumb?

No, you confuse defining something with reason. You need to learn basic grammar, too.

 

[Lao Tse]

You do not know what the word "rational" means.

rational /răsh′ə-nəl/

adjective​

1. Having or exercising the ability to reason. synonym: logical.
   Similar: logical
2. Consistent with or based on reason or good judgment; logical or sensible.
   "rational decisions."
3. Of sound mind; sane.
   "wondered if the eccentric neighbor was not completely rational."