Jason Mark Roehrig My Web Home

Again and again we hear defenders of religion state, that religion is the source of values and hence ethics. A result of blind faith in authorities. Unfortunately too often accepted by default, without any critical thought. The ability of rational thought is supposedly the distinguishing difference between humans and other animals, then why is it so commonly lacking?

Ethical behaviour is not the result of religious indoctrination and power wielding, but an effect of human emotions, specifically their nature. We tend to rationalize our behaviour after our actions. Research into this phenomenon has even resulted in serious doubts in regards to the concept of free will. People whom have experienced religious indoctrination tend to believe, that when ever they act in an ethical manner, it is due to the effect of their religious upbringing, and hence argue for its necessity. Completely ignoring those of a bright upbringing, whom display the same kind of ethical behaviour in absence of supposed religious motivation. Religion therefore can not be the source of ethics, and one will have to accept the argument of religion as the only valid basis for human society for what it is - a false presumption based on post-rationalization of behaviour patterns.

The only source of values can be found within a living creature. Yes, other animals also have values too. It is not a product of humans or some teapot floating in outerspace, but a product of nature and living existence.