Every parent has heard some variation of that. It is a common response when a child doesn't get what he wants and doesn't understand why. But what of a mother who would punish a child for saying that? Such a mother would be a bad mother. Truly good parents accept the child's judgements for what they are -- judgements based on limited information.
Many religions (particularly the ones that say they are not religions) claim a god who would punish people for making the best judgements they can with the information available. Any such god would be wicked. Yes, there could be a god that sends me to eternal torment for saying so. But I am still morally better than him.
Many religions (particularly the ones that say they are not religions) claim a god who would punish people for making the best judgements they can with the information available. Any such god would be wicked.
ReplyDeleteI actually agree with this, but you would not be speaking of the One True God of Christianity, however. God punishes you for the sins you committ based on the information which you were born with, and which is clearly available.
Yes, there could be a god that sends me to eternal torment for saying so. But I am still morally better than him.
Based on what standard of morality?
Cheers,
Sye
I was not born with information. I acquired it over time. Any information that was that clearly available would not require reading any "holy books."
ReplyDeleteThis brings an interesting point. The biblical claim "all have sinned" would include newborns, who cannot meaningfully have done anything that was a sin.