Is it bad cuz god says so.....

[notthecheatr]

Although Paul is referring to the Jewish nation and the Mosaic law, I wonder if this might apply to atheism's fascination with the biblical God at the expense of most other forms of deism/theism/supernaturalism?

You think a cultural phenomena from two thousand years ago is identical to something completely unrelated today? I think it's far more likely that the reason atheists in the USA tend to pick on Christianity, in particular, is because Christianity is by far the most prevalent form of theism around. I assure you that I have met a few atheists from Islamic backgrounds and they tend to pick more on Islam. I'll happily shoot down any form of theism or superstition you like, but if the only people around to watch are Christians, I guess Christians are going to feel like I'm picking on them.

But again, this is off topic. The question, which by the way is a pretty important theological question, is whether God defines or merely describes (and is therefore subject to) morality. In other words, is morality subjective or objective?

[BlackSheep]

.

In the book of Romans, Paul has an interesting line of reasoning about sinful, human nature in that, since its basic substance is rebellion against God, this nature is stimulated by, therefore seeks out, moral truths/laws etc in order to express itself (in opposition to them).

Although Paul is referring to the Jewish nation and the Mosaic law, I wonder if this might apply to atheism's fascination with the biblical God at the expense of most other forms of deism/theism/supernaturalism?

Actually it is because the atheists here are mostly from places that worship the biblical god.

[Maryjane]

Though stated in another way, the OP is a philosophical question, the Euthyphro dilemma;

The dilemma has had a major effect on the philosophical theism of the monotheistic religions, but in a modified form: "Is what is morally good commanded by God because it is morally good, or is it morally good because it is commanded by God?" This question has presented a problem for theists ever since Plato's original discussion, and it continues to be an object of theological and philosophical discussion today.

Euthyphro dilemma - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Trojan_Ripper]

Though stated in another way, the OP is a philosophical question, the Euthyphro dilemma;

Oh....Okay, stated in another way than the OP.

"Is what is morally good commanded by God because it is morally good, or is it morally good because it is commanded by God?

Actually it is because the atheists here are mostly from places that worship the biblical god.

The question is irrelevant to an atheist because they do not believe in God. There is no God to command or be commanded by.

[BlackSheep]

Oh....Okay, stated in another way than the OP.

The question is irrelevant to an atheist because they do not believe in God. There is no God to command or be commanded by.

Philosophical questions deal with hypothetical things all the time.

[Senor Hoint]

http://api.ning.com/files/uRML6dWX4c.../GodProofs.png

I think this image above sums up one side of the argument; this could be rebutted by claiming that god doesn't have to follow his (purported) rules.

[superfly]

God said thou shall not, but he also said kill those who don’t honor the Sabbath and stone those who commit apostasy. That’s the problem with God, he can never make up his mind on right and wrong.

[BlackSheep]

God said thou shall not, but he also said kill those who don’t honor the Sabbath and stone those who commit apostasy. That’s the problem with God, he can never make up his mind on right and wrong.

Or maybe it just further demonstrates he is like a kid with an ant farm.
And a magnifying glass.