Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Jordan
As a devout follower in the teachings of Aesop's Fables, from which the bulk of all modern religion's moral teachings actually originated (and note that I avoided putting those words in quotes, italics, bolding or underlines), I'm surprised that you all haven't come to realize that it doesn't matter whether or not there is a God... nor whether or not you believe in one... what is vitally important is that if you treat each other with the reverence and respect befitting Human Beings (including not belittling others for their beliefs), all will be right in the world.
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What I do find interesting is that the concept of "leading a good life" - ie what one might call "moral philosophy" - is tied up with religion in most people's minds today. That is VERY much a "Judeo-Christian" outlook on life.
In most of the ancient world, moral philosophy and religion were entirely separate concepts - the Greek and Roman gods, for example, were NOT "loving" beings at all, and the primary purpose of religious observance was to stop them doing nasty things to you!
One of the best sources of teaching on "how to lead a good life" are, IMHO, the dialogs of Plato, and they are totally devoid from religion. They teach "how to live a good life", but "god" is nowhere to be found in the ideas expressed.