Discuss: The context of morality is dynamic. It differs geographically and is time-sensitive.
The 10 commandments are well known for it's documentation of human basic moral standards (it is not the source of human morality). The core values in which our tribalistic ancestors have developed through the empathetic mind.
Other religions will have similar "value proposition" however, they also document time sensitive laws - which do not fit in modern views of morality. Traditions are outgrown and left behind as our community changes from a tribal village to a connected metropolis. Things that used to be acceptable are now voted as unacceptable by the hive mind.
- Hunting of wild animals (whales, seals, elephants, rhinoceros etc.)
- Polygamy (in tribal customs, it's common but in a modern/equal opportunity world it is frowned upon)
- Capital punishment (e.g. stoning, electric chair, hanging or lethal injection) is not acceptable
Some are just practical geographic tradition or superstition being carried forward - which has nothing to do with a particular religion and it is not relevant outside of context
- burqa - it was a hot and dusty desert
- sunday prayers - moved from sabbath saturday,
- christmas - there's no mention of christmas day at all (don't get me wrong, I enjoy the holiday, don't remove it)
The list can go on. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'm fine with people and their religion as long as they don't use it as a moral yardstick to judge everyone else just because they will not like it when they are judged in return using some other moral yardstick different from theirs.
Posted Nov 4, 2010, 2:53 AM UTC