Typing from my Blackberry, so I'll keep this brief. I think the moralizing effect of religion is a function of the development of morality in civilization, as well as the level of *sophistication* of that civilization, than a function of a method of teaching morality. Many major ancient religions did NOT have morality as a function of worship (gods were meant to be placated), but as civilization developed, it took on a moralizing component. This can be seen in ancient Egyptian, Sumerian, as well as Greek religion. Therefore, morality had to have existed before they appeared in religion, in order for this development to take place...
Damon. ------------------------------------------------------------ Damon Agretto [EMAIL PROTECTED] "Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum." http://www.geocities.com/garrand.geo/index.html Now Building: Trumpeter's Marder I auf GW 38(h) Sent from my BlackBerry wireless handheld. ------------------------------------------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry wireless handheld. -----Original Message----- From: "Gary Nunn" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Tue, 26 Dec 2006 11:44:47 To:"'Killer Bs Discussion'" <[email protected]> Subject: Was religion necessary for developing civilizations? A question that came up in a deep, late night conversation.... Was religion a necessary tool for building moral and ethical standards in early civilizations or social groups? Or did someone simply invent the fear of "Going To Hell" to impose their will on the masses? I suppose that also implies the question of if morality and ethical behavior is a learned response or if they could be a genetic response. This question is NOT about self righteous, over the top, religious fanatics that justify bad behavior and wars, all in the name of God.. Of course there are those that have used religious fear to manipulate people and to justify a means to an end (yes, these are over simplifications), but would morality and ethics have developed in ancient civilizations without the fear of consequences? Gary -----> who suspects that he will regret asking this question. _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
