The Argument from Morality:
In this episode, we'll delve into the Argument from Morality. It's a philosophical stance suggesting that our moral values are bestowed upon us by a moral deity. Many believers cite the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and teachings like the Golden Rule - "Do unto others what you would like others do to you; or love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 7:12, Matthew 22:37-40) - as divine moral guidelines. The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) also promotes compassion and help for those in need, regardless of their beliefs, race, or status.
However, morality is not universal. Different cultures have their own moral standards, which may seem wrong to some but are right for others. Let's explore this further.
Cultural Relativity of Morality:
Non-religious countries like Japan, Vietnam, and Sweden have their own moral laws. Non-religious cultures such as Buddhism, Taoism, Jainism, and Confucianism have their own moral codes. Secular countries like the US, Canada, China, New Zealand, Singapore, and the Philippines, which have no official religion and accept different religions, also display varying moral standards. For instance, in the Philippines, a secular country with diverse religious beliefs, many officials may still regard it predominantly as a Catholic nation.
Here are some examples of moral standards that vary across cultures:
1. Polygamy: In the Old Testament, figures like Abraham, Jacob, David, and Solomon had multiple wives. Today, polygamy is still accepted in some cultures.
2. Consanguineous Marriages: Marriages among relatives, such as cousin or uncle-niece marriages, are practiced in some cultures to consolidate family wealth.
3. Honorable Suicide: In some cultures, suicide is accepted to maintain family honor.
4. Female Circumcision: This practice is deemed acceptable in certain cultures.
5. Cannibalism: In some cultures, cannibalism, or the act of killing and eating people, is not considered wrong.
These examples illustrate that morality often depends on cultural context rather than divine command. Both religious and non-religious cultures, whether they believe in a god or not, have their own moral frameworks. Hence, the notion that morality is exclusively derived from God is a misconception.
The Paradox of Divine Morality:
If God, who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and moral, is the source of morality, why is there so much wickedness, evil, and immorality in the world? The Bible itself recounts numerous immoral acts:
1. Adultery (Exodus 20:14).
2. Theft (Exodus 20:15).
3. Lying (Exodus 20:16).
4. Coveting (Exodus 20:17).
5. Murder (Exodus 20:13).
6. Dishonoring Parents (Exodus 20:12).
7. Greed (1 Timothy 6:10).
8. Drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18).
9. Pride (Proverbs 16:18).
10. Gluttony (Proverbs 23:20-21).
11. Sloth (Proverbs 19:15).
12. Gossip (Proverbs 20:19).
13. Sorcery (Galatians 5:20).
14. Envy (Galatians 5:21).
15. Anger (Matthew 5:22).
16. Deceit (Jeremiah 9:5).
17. Injustice (Isaiah 10:1-2).
Other biblical events depict God's commands for actions that are morally questionable by today's standards, such as the killing of all humans except Noah's family (Genesis 6-9), the slaughter of infants in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16-18), and the extermination of the Canaanites (Deuteronomy 20:16-18).
The Origin of Morality:
IN my book Originemology, morality doesn't originate from God but from our mothers. Mothers are the first to instill morality in us through love and care. Love is the first moral lesson we learn from our mothers, followed by care. Our mothers take care of us, protect us, and guide us towards good manners and right conduct. These initial lessons in love and care shape our moral values.
In my personal research, I discovered that morality can emerge in animals without any divine influence. For instance, dogs can display moral behaviors without a concept of God.
A Thoughtful Gesture:
If you believe donating money to the church is a moral act, consider the impact of showing appreciation to someone who has always been there for you—your mom. Instead of giving to the church, buy a beautiful bouquet of flowers for your mom and see the joy in her eyes. When was the last time you surprised her with flowers or told her how much you love her? It's easy to invest time and resources in spiritual beliefs, but don't forget to bring simple joys to the person who has consistently shown you love and care. She deserves your time, affection, and appreciation more than anyone else. Making her smile, even for a moment, is worth more than you can imagine.
In this episode, we've explored how human morality depends on cultural background. Whether in religious cultures that believe in God, religious cultures that do not believe in God, or non-religious cultures, each has its own moral values and laws. We've also argued that morality originates from our mothers, not from God. Additionally, our environment and influences, like the saying "tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are," shape our morality. If your friends are bad, you will likely become bad too. If the books you read are filled with evil thoughts, they will influence your mind.
Just something to think about!
