Is Evolution the Work of Satan?

This strikes me as one of the most lamentable aspects of theistic conversation with non-theists, as it highlights a hurdle of understanding that many theists are incapable of breaching. I am referring of course to the concept of moral underpinnings having "validity".A naturalistic view of the world easily lends itself to the conclusion that there is no objective moral code. In that sense there is no "absolute right and wrong" outside the views of the individual. Our condemnation of genocide is then based on our moral views conflicting with the perpetrator's, as all moral differences are simply differences of opinion and view; if someone is to hold your same moral view they will likely require to hold similar goals.The concept of "god" is a transparent attempt to breach these hurdles dreamed up by some of the first medicine men and tribal leaders with more ambition to rule than moral acumen. The ploy attempts to circumvent the requirement of similar goals when controlling people; when the shaman says "God" is on his side the implication is that this powerful being overpowers your petty goals and concerns. The obvious purpose of this is so the shaman can inflict his morality upon those with dissimilar goals; the essence of rule.Unfortunately the perpetuation of permeation of this power grab through our culture leaves many people damaged. They feel lost without divine moral guidance; they may accept the shedding of the leash, but they cannot rid themselves of the collar. The first insidious lie of the shaman that their moral views are inherently inferior to that of a deity, a deity who's morals are suspiciously similar that of the shaman, leaves the theist looking for someone to overpower their morality.Until the theist can fully comprehend and shed the desire to be ruled by another they will still asks questions about moral "validity". What could they possibly mean by that? It is the cry of a slave searching a master, it is a request for outside approval and control.If you wish to verify this, ask any theist what purpose their life would have if their god didn't exist. Most will say that their lives would have no purpose, and in fact *couldn't* have purpose if that were true. It is this stunting of self-determination that may be the most lasting crime against humanity.

Certainly. If our goals were to change from say, promoting the wellbeing of humans in general to the goal of exterminating the Jewish people our view of Hitler would change from one of immorality to morality.Fortunately that isn't very many people's goal. And again, what the *hell* do you mean by "real" distinction? I just distinguished them above, and yet your neck apparently so yearns for the non-existent yoke of some cosmic being that you categorically deny its validity in favor of a fiction. No, certainly not. But considering the evidence for the existence of such a being is at the very most extraordinarily slim and the objective moral code perhaps somewhat lesser still, I think it appropriate to operate under the assumption that it is not the case. When you can prove the existence of an objective moral code we can revisit that point. Frankly the concept seems foreign to reality as we know it. Then you haven't been paying attention in class. Societies are beneficial on the individual level even without empathy. This is my point exactly. You have been told that there is an absolute truth and morality by someone who wanted you to believe that *their* morality was absolute, and you are still crippled by your inability to conceive otherwise.This crime of upbringing is of course coupled with the saddening lack of imaginative ability to see why someone would benefit from another watching their back without love being involved. I'm afraid we can't pawn that off on anyone but yourself. And some even appoint kings. I am not inclined toward servility to such an extent, although I suppose the "flock" you call home may have a different view. I still maintain that such an inclination has been intentionally bred into you rather than innate. I'm not quite sold on the unconditional love bit; Hell doesn't seem terribly "freeing" or "unconditionally loving". But it seems you are not pitching it as true so much as somehow a weight off your chest to pass off self-determination to another being. Such a thing would in my view be incompatible with freedom, although perhaps less mentally taxing if thats your meaning.Again, this is exactly what I am getting at. You have been so ingrained to being ordered around like a child that you won't accept that the person claiming to be your parent isn't, and that you don't have to follow their instructions. Even while you accept that you cry "Well where is my *real* mommy and daddy? I can't possibly do anything without their authority!"Consider the possibility that you just need to grow up and think for yourself, make moral decisions for yourself, and take responsibility for the success and failure it entails. In what broader sense? In the "Mummy, mummy tell me what to do" sense? I hope I can work up your ire and ego to the point where you might have enough self respect to state that no being's opinion on what your life's purpose should be can trump your own, no matter how powerful that being might be. Yes, that appears to be the case. Do you think you have good evidence that this won't actually happen, or are you arguing against it purely on the grounds that it is disappointing? Right, disappointing it is. Sorry about this, but News Flash: Santa isn't real, Candy Mountain doesn't exist, and no matter how long you wait the Tooth Fairy won't come.I know that might make you pout but its *reality*. Part of growing up is to face reality. And here is something to chew on; if you were not told Santa, Candy Mountain, or the Tooth Fairy existed you wouldn't be disappointed to find that they don't.Someone told you a cruel lie that God and Eternal Life existed. Get over it, and don't do the same to others. It obviously matters today. But then what exactly do you mean by "really matter"?

You are going to have to narrow it down a bit more than that.