IF THERE IS NO GOD, WHY BE GOOD? Posed like that, the question sounds positively ignoble. When a religious person puts it to me in this way (and many of them do), my immediate temptation is to issue the following challenge: "Do you really mean to tell me that the only reason you try to be good is to gain God's approval and reward, or to avoid his disapproval and punishment? That's not morality, that's just sucking up, apple-polishing, looking over your shoulder at the great surveillance camera in the sky, or the still small wiretap inside your head, monitoring your every move, even your every base thought." As Einstein said, "If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed.
-- Richard Dawkins, in The God Delusion –
Have a great Monday!
Glanced at your side bar. Hope you're enjoying A Prayer for Owen Meany.
ReplyDeleteI LOVED IT. (and his use of caps)
But we ARE a sorry lot, aren't we? (Well, not you, I, or my dog, naturally.) Individuals are great, it's when we band together that the problems start; organised religion, Countries, football matches, Aunt Hilda's wake.. sheesh, the list is endless!
ReplyDeleteBeth:
ReplyDeleteOWEN MEANIE ROCKS! [<-- Note the capitals?]
Shrink Wrapped Scream:
Interesting moniker you have!
Thank you so much for dropping by!