May I toss in my 2 cents? (might be all this is worth!)
A lot of good, inteligent thinking in this thread.
Science is now moving toward a less atheistic concept of our world. Quantum physics has shown that the particles that make up atoms, including those in our brains, of course, are not "real" in the sense of being discrete, identifiable
entities, but are forms of POTENTIAL energy that can be manifested as real atoms only in the presence of consciousness, or an intention. So our "concrete" reality exists because of the presence of consciousness. Lets not try to imagine the nature of the consciousness that manifests our "reality"- then we create idols, in our own image. The human intellect cannot conceive of the true nature of consciousness. It can only be experienced when the intellect shuts down, and the person is prepared. It is better to keep our minds open, and be content that there is some "divinity", if you want to call it that, which is connected somehow with the energy that is eternal and infinite, (according to E=MC squared) and there is no longer a basis for the old argument of atheistic scientists that matter, and life, is non-created out of emptiness, or has always existed.
As far as morality, I believe it is a guide that we humans create, and continually change. The less self centered we become, the more refined and universal our morality will be, until it is no longer needed as commandments.
As far as those who claim the title of atheist and agnostic, they have a morality too, as did ancient pagan peoples. Atheism is the belief that there is no individual, personal god, who mind-reads billions of people at the same time, and plays favorites according to how well his ego is flattered by praise and worship. It does not rule out an indescribable divine presence . See
"The god delusion" by Richard Dawkins, a very compassionate atheist.
And, Nietsche was proclaiming the death of the god created by human imagination. Which has not happened yet, and looks like a long time off.
Namaste....jsam  |