Changes

Dr. [[Frans de Waal]] argues that primates are social animals, and must constrain their behavior in order to live in a group. He maintains that these constraints have shaped behaviors from which human morality has emerged. He does not assert that chimpanzees are moral, but argues that emotional bases that can be observed among primates are the foundation for the evolution of human morality.

Dr. [[Frans de Waal]] argues that primates are social animals, and must constrain their behavior in order to live in a group. He maintains that these constraints have shaped behaviors from which human morality has emerged. He does not assert that chimpanzees are moral, but argues that emotional bases that can be observed among primates are the foundation for the evolution of human morality.

He points to the display of both [[empathy]] and self-awareness among apes, and asserts that human morality begins with a similar concern for others and the understanding of social rules about the treatment of others. <ref>New York Times: [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/20/science/20moral.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5124&en=84f902c89c5a9173&ex=1332043200&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink "Scientist Finds the Beginnings of Morality in Primate Behavior"]</ref>

He points to the display of both [[empathy]] and self-awareness among apes, and asserts that human morality begins with a similar concern for others and the understanding of social rules about the treatment of others.<ref>New York Times: [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/20/science/20moral.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5124&en=84f902c89c5a9173&ex=1332043200&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink "Scientist Finds the Beginnings of Morality in Primate Behavior"]</ref>

However, these arguments presume evolution to be true.

However, these arguments presume evolution to be true.

=== The effects of atheism ===

=== The effects of atheism ===

It is contended that in broadly condemning "[[religion]]", atheism frequently focuses on [[Christianity]], which is seldom defined according to its source (the New Testament), and which they often include Hitler in, and which they blame for atrocities such as the [[Inquisition]] and the [[Crusades]].  In addition, when confronted by the fact that the objectively baseless moral authority of atheism allowed atheists such as [[Joseph Stalin|Stalin]], [[Mao Zedong|Mao]] or [[Pol Pot]] to easily justify  their atrocities (which seemed ''reasonable'' measures to them), they are observed seeking to disassociate the two. Harris attempts to do so by judging such men as "not especially rational", with this perhaps establishing Harris as the authority of what is, and then he proceeds to implicate religion for the evil of their regimes. <ref>Sam Harris, ''An Atheist Manifesto'' Dec 7, 2005</ref> In response it is seen that the authority for the religion at issue at issue (Christianity), is what transcendentally condemns them.<ref>http://peacebyjesus.witnesstoday.org/Atheism1.html</ref> (Jn. 10:10; Rm. 9:1-3ff; Gal. 6:10)     

It is contended that in broadly condemning "[[religion]]", atheism frequently focuses on [[Christianity]], which is seldom defined according to its source (the New Testament), and which they often include Hitler in, and which they blame for atrocities such as the [[Inquisition]] and the [[Crusades]].  In addition, when confronted by the fact that the objectively baseless moral authority of atheism allowed atheists such as [[Joseph Stalin|Stalin]], [[Mao Zedong|Mao]] or [[Pol Pot]] to easily justify  their atrocities (which seemed ''reasonable'' measures to them), they are observed seeking to disassociate the two. Harris attempts to do so by judging such men as "not especially rational", with this perhaps establishing Harris as the authority of what is, and then he proceeds to implicate religion for the evil of their regimes.<ref>Sam Harris, ''An Atheist Manifesto'' Dec 7, 2005</ref> In response it is seen that the authority for the religion at issue at issue (Christianity), is what transcendentally condemns them.<ref>http://peacebyjesus.witnesstoday.org/Atheism1.html</ref> (Jn. 10:10; Rm. 9:1-3ff; Gal. 6:10)     

It is argued that while atheism did not directly ''cause'' these atrocities, because atheism provides no objective transcendent moral boundaries, it ''allows'' these atrocities to occur, while fostering "political religion" due to the tendency to worship mortal men in place of God.

It is argued that while atheism did not directly ''cause'' these atrocities, because atheism provides no objective transcendent moral boundaries, it ''allows'' these atrocities to occur, while fostering "political religion" due to the tendency to worship mortal men in place of God.

{{QuoteBox|...atheism has been tried as a basis for life in many countries in the 20th century. The results have been some of the biggest bloodbaths of all time under communist despots above the law, e.g., Stalin, Mao and [[Pol Pot]]. For example, the Inquisition killed 2000 people in three centuries; Stalin killed that many before breakfast.<ref>Sarfati, 2004 & 2008.  See also Morris.</ref><ref>[www.scholarscorner.com/apologia/deathtoll.html Atheism's Body Count]</ref>}}

{{QuoteBox|...atheism has been tried as a basis for life in many countries in the 20th century. The results have been some of the biggest bloodbaths of all time under communist despots above the law, e.g., Stalin, Mao and [[Pol Pot]]. For example, the Inquisition killed 2000 people in three centuries; Stalin killed that many before breakfast.<ref>Sarfati, 2004 & 2008.  See also Morris.</ref><ref>[http://www.scholarscorner.com/apologia/deathtoll.html Atheism's Body Count]</ref>}}

== See Also ==

== See also ==

* [[Virtue]]

* [[Virtue]]

* [[Ethics]]

* [[Ethics]]

== Bibliography ==

== Bibliography ==

* Morris, Grantley, [http://net-burst.net/hot/war.htm A History Professor’s Criticism of My Webpage].

* Morris, Grantley, [http://net-burst.net/hot/war.htm A History Professor’s Criticism of My Webpage].

* Ramsey, Janine M., [http://creationontheweb.com/content/view/3126 What basis, morality?], 11th May 2004 (Creation Ministries International).

* Ramsey, Janine M., [http://creationontheweb.com/content/view/3126 What basis, morality?], 11 May 2004 (Creation Ministries International).

* Sarfati, Jonathan, [http://creationontheweb.com/content/view/2207 Bomb-building vs. the biblical foundation], 24th December 2004 and 2nd December 2008.  (Creation Ministries International)

* Sarfati, Jonathan, [http://creationontheweb.com/content/view/2207 Bomb-building vs. the biblical foundation], 24 December 2004 and 2 December 2008.  (Creation Ministries International)

== References ==

== References ==

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{{reflist|2}}

[[Category : Religion]]

[[Category:Religion]]

[[Category : Christianity]]

[[Category:Christianity]]

[[Category : Catholicism]]

[[Category:Catholicism]]

[[Category : Buddhism]]

[[Category:Buddhism]]

[[Category : Hinduism]]

[[Category:Hinduism]]

[[Category : Virtues]]

[[Category:Virtues]]

[[Category : Morality]]

[[Category:Morality]]

[[Category : Ethics]]

[[Category:Ethics]]

[[Category : Philosophy]]

[[Category:Philosophy]]

[[Category : Sexual Morality]]

[[Category:Sexual Morality]]

[[Category : Non-violence]]

[[Category:Non-violence]]

[[Category : Oaths]]

[[Category:Oaths]]