Without a single point of reference (Like God") what is "right" and "wrong"?

I cannot find the logic in this. What you're speaking about is a sense of mortality - a sense of right or wrong. Rape or no rape? That is the question. Well, I'd argue that it doesn't take a "God" to instill the idea that things are right or wrong. In fact, religion--the idea of worship--is more logically an impediment to moralistic growth as a species. True morals, a true sense of right or wrong, is something you come to through what you feel is right or wrong to do to people or to do to one's self. If the reference point for this is "God," then what we're seeing isn't as black and white as right or wrong. It's not the least bit moral. For if a person is learning their moral lessons from religion, then they're either abiding out of fear or worship, a rejection or an interpretation. You cannot be a truly moral person if you're doing so to be rewarded. These things aren't new concepts. How we choose to let consequences of our actions affect us is what's new. So one could argue that laws help to keep people in line, the fear of repercussions. But that's not moral in the slightest. That's a trade off. We're more moralistic today because we can learn from our past. In some cultures with the most heinous crimes imaginable, they do have that reference point of religion yet still interpret it for their twisted behavior. Whereas if they didn't have any idea of a "god," it's likely that they'd learn to treat people better because that's naturally the right thing to do - no fear or reward, no paradise or damnation; just a realization that we're beings with a conscience and that there's nothing to live up to or hide behind. Your behavior is your behavior. We continue to grow and even outgrow antiquated ideals brought forth by religion. We're capable of being moral people not because we have a point of reference to check, but because we're intelligent enough to realize what hurts others.

I think to me, is what I think is "culturally" and "universally" acceptable and not acceptable. What I would like my friends or another person to do or not do it to me. That is what is wrong and right for me.

That's a really good question and proof that without a single point of reference, everything becomes relative. Relative "truth" is no truth at all... I think you just proved that mankind is totally lost and depraved. Although, as you said, there are "good" people, still, how is "good" defined, without a base definition? How do you know that up is up unless there is also down?

Many philosophers and others have tried to develop a system of ethics without recourse to God. As a philosopher myself, I have to say none of these systems are ultimately stable or coherent all the best urban

Everybody will have to decide for himself what is right and wrong.

I can`t think of anything that every human will find it " right " or " wrong ".Probably collecting food from nature one way or another is a right thing to do.

Morality is generally defined by each society, but varies from person to person. People can have conflicting views of morality, but what a particular society as a whole agrees is moral/immoral is what bears weight.

Right offhand I was thinking the Golden Rule would be accepted if humanity had no concept of God. But that would not work since there would be moral anarchy. Without God or some concept of a supreme being, I don't think there would be any right and wrong, only what an individual thought was moral. Which is pretty much how our legal system is operates these days.

Every man did what what right in his own eyes. Judges 17:6

The reality of it all is that each individual decides what is right or wrong after their choices and actions have returned and they have lived it. God returns it all to us in order that we understand what our choices and actions really mean. There are many choices to make and many lessons to learn. Education takes many lifetimes. There will be no doubt to you what is truly right or wrong. God won't have to say a single word. You will know and understand. God's greatest moment is when that light bulb goes off over your head and you Understand.

I dont think their is a right or wrong. Each person has their own opinion on if their actions ware or were right or wrong. I believe that we do what we think is right and simply some of our actions have consequences that can be bad for us.

Hi, If we were to look at the early men, they lived like animals. They searched for food just like animals and lived in caves. Wore nothing or the most, leaves to cover the body with hardly or no civilized existence. A phase where man cannot differentiate between what's right and wrong. Man entered the era of civilization when religion comes into the picture. Obviously, humans did not create religion. Without any religious background, it's impossible for anyone to know what is right and what is wrong.

As we grow up certain 'rights' and 'wrongs' are imbibed in our system and most of them are rooted in the religion one follows. It is therefore not easy to independently define and say what is right and what is wrong. Having said that one can make an attempt provided one is totally liberated from religious teachings and society. I for one have succeeded in convincing myself that rituals need not be a part of one's life although those that do not follow rituals of the religion one belongs to are defined as bad people. Sky is the limit to convert bad people into good after looking at each case individually, taking them away from standards and norms that are set by society and religion. I am a good person without doubt - sugar won't melt in my mouth!

hai friend . i have many times thought about what is right and wrong. i never get an answer..... the world is realy horrible,no justice,no equality. some people go hunger and die. some people eating,drinking and wasting foods. some one work hard.but another one sits simply and just enjoy . many people do crimes and not punished but many get punished without doing anything. we cant find right and wrong if we look around. i feel sad always about this.i dont know why some suffer,some enjoy!

I have no answer for what is right or wrong. And I think this is a problem that so many people have thought of and without a clue. But still, there must be some means to decide right or wrong and there is where the law takes place. Laws are created by humans based on the culture at the time they are written. The laws will document what is acceptable and what not. I think we generally agree that the laws will make sure good things are allowed while bad things are rejected. So, we follow the laws throughout our daily actions. Of course it comes to the time that the laws no longer fits the expectation of the general public and a change would be needed. So, absolutely, what is right and what is wrong? I simply don't think there is an answer.