[Seekers] Punishment
Farrell Till jftill@midwest.net
Mon, 02 Mar 1998 08:53:35 -0800 (00888879215, 2.2.32.19980302165335.006ed994@midwest.net)
At 11:39 PM 3/1/98 -0600, Ward Fenley wrote:
>> TILL
>> Well, gee, Ward, why couldn't I just quote the Code of Hammurabi or the
Qur'an?
>>
FENLEY
>That is my point. My argument is not that the BIBLE is the original code
>of ethics for humanity (though it is). My argument is that moral
>absolutes have an origin somewhere. Now, if you do not agree with this,
>then there is no point in continuing. If you do, then your job is to
>convince me that:
>
TILL
Gee, Ward, you're the one who claims that morality is absolute, so why don't
you give us an argument in support of that position? I'll ask again if you
are willing to accept my challenge to consider a list of modern moral
dilemmas and tell us what is absolutely moral in each case and how you know.
Are you willing to do that?
>
FENLEY
>First, it originated in man
>
>Second, if you can prove it did originate in man, then does this first
>"moralist" necessarily determine the morality of society, and why?
>
TILL
Since all morality is necessarily subjective, the answer to your first
question is no. And why is the answer no? Because there is no such thing as
objective morality. Objective morality is impossible, because it can never
be separated from the subjectivity of human minds.
TILL
>> Also, I would like for Ward to answer a question. Does the Bible teach that
>> killing is an ABSOLUTE sin?
>
FENLEY
>NO.
>
TILL
Then you are admitting that morality is not absolute, aren't you? Could you
explain to us when killing would be an absolute wrong and when it wouldn't?
If you will try to answer that, I think you may begin to see the folly of
your position.
By the way, Ward, would you please label your comments by typing your name
above them? That is an expected protocol on this list.
Farrell Till
Skepticism, Inc.
jftill@midwest.net