God or conscience?
From Mr Giles Wardle Sir: Messrs FitzGerald and Massie-Blom- field ask, 'Can a godless society be sur- prised when some of its members behave in a godless way?' (Letters, 11 March). Equat- ing a lack of morality with a lack of God is an unconvincing excuse for religion.
Besides, there is no evidence that theists are more moral than atheists and, even if this were true, it is of little practical value in establishing a moral code. Devout bibli- cal scholars cannot agree about many cru- cial moral issues, taking diametrically opposed positions on such matters as capi- tal punishment, abortion, pacifism, birth control, suicide, slavery, animal rights, gay rights and women's rights. One can only conclude that there are lots of gods all handing out conflicting moral advice or a single god who is hopelessly confused.
The exercise of one's reason and con- science as the source of one's morality is more valid and stable than adherence to the often conflicting commands of a god in whose name most of mankind's acts of vio- lence, bigotry and oppression have been perpetrated.
Giles Wardle
giles@wardleconsulting.com
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