Some proponents of Christianity assert that moral values are intrinsically linked to a belief in God, claiming that without divine guidance, individuals—especially atheists—lack true moral grounding. While this perspective is not universally accepted among Christians, it frequently appears in online discussions. Let's delve into this argument and assess its validity.

Do Moral Values Necessarily Derive from God? Christians who argue that atheists are devoid of morals often contend that without a divine figure, there are no absolute moral laws, and that moral intuition cannot arise from mere randomness. However, I find this claim unconvincing.

Even in the absence of a divine Creator, moral intuition could evolve naturally. Consider a species where parental care increases the survival of offspring; this instinctive behavior would naturally be advantageous compared to a species lacking such protective instincts.

Over generations, this instinct might expand beyond familial ties to encompass broader community cooperation. This behavior is observable across numerous species, including humans, without needing a supernatural explanation.

Humans exhibit numerous instinctual behaviors—seeking food when hungry, avoiding danger—among which are our moral instincts. The essential point is that these moral instincts are part of our natural evolution; we do not require a divine source for their existence.

Some Christians may accept that evolution plays a role in shaping our moral sensibilities, but they often argue that such a moral compass becomes subjective and unreliable in the absence of God. They maintain that God provides the absolute moral standards, thus deeming their values superior. Yet, I remain unconvinced.

It's Humans, Not God, Who Define Objective Morality God does not physically intervene in our world, issuing clear commands or clarifying moral dilemmas. Instead, Christian morality is entirely shaped by human interpretation of what they believe God has communicated.

The compilation of the Bible itself illustrates this point. It was not simply handed down by God; church leaders deliberated on which books to include. Different branches of Christianity even possess varying versions of the Bible. For instance, the Catholic Bible contains 73 books, while the Protestant version has 66.

Although Christians may be aware that the Book of Psalms contains 150 psalms, they may be surprised to learn that there were originally more than that.

This leads to the question: how can Christians claim to follow objective moral standards when their teachings are derived from texts selected through subjective human judgment?

Disagreement Among Christians on Biblical Interpretation Even within a single denomination, there's often a lack of consensus on moral issues because interpretations of the same texts can vary widely. Historical context complicates this further.

For example, should witches be executed? Is interracial marriage supported or condemned? Are women allowed to serve as pastors? The answers to these queries fluctuate significantly based on the specific denomination and the era being examined.

So, who can claim to have the correct interpretation? The absence of a definitive way to consult God about these moral ambiguities suggests that if God truly wished for everyone to share the same moral understanding, He could have facilitated that long ago.

The Example of the Holy Kiss

The Apostle Paul instructs Christians to greet one another with a holy kiss on four occasions in the New Testament (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26). Peter echoes this command (1 Peter 5:14). Shouldn't such a clear directive be taken seriously?

Surprisingly, in my experience visiting various churches, none actively practice the holy kiss. While they engage in debates over issues like same-sex marriage and female pastors, they collectively ignore this instruction, rationalizing that modern handshakes suffice.

This indicates that they perceive biblical moral teachings as influenced by cultural contexts and not universally applicable.

Thus, how can we regard these situational moral instructions as objective or absolute?

On one hand, Christians assert that the Bible offers objective moral guidance. On the other hand, they selectively adapt or downplay biblical teachings that do not align with their views. This inconsistency is glaring!

Ultimately, every Christian interprets and applies these moral teachings subjectively, guided by personal judgment. If Christians are quick to criticize others for adhering to subjective morals, they should first reflect on their own beliefs.

Christians Must Acknowledge the Absence of Objective Moral Law Even if an objective moral law exists, we cannot definitively ascertain what it entails.

When Christians advocate for objective moral standards, they often assume that mere awareness of these standards guarantees adherence. They argue that subjective morals are problematic because they can be easily overlooked.

This assumption is fundamentally flawed.

Individuals can always justify breaking rules, even when they understand their authority. Criminals are a prime example; they recognize the laws yet choose to violate them.

The same applies to divine laws. Christians are not known for strictly following all moral teachings from their churches or the Bible.

For instance, the Catholic Church condemns contraceptive use as intrinsically evil, yet many Catholic couples disregard this directive.

Jesus explicitly instructs His followers to assist the needy and lend to those who ask:

Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. (Matthew 5:42)

Nevertheless, how many Christians truly follow this teaching? Many find justifications for ignoring it.

So, what is the purpose of labeling a moral standard as objective if people feel free to disregard it in practice? In this light, an objective moral standard appears no different from a personal opinion.

The Double Standard of Christian Faith Truth does not require flawed reasoning from its adherents.

In conclusion, regardless of belief in a higher power, individuals typically rely on their moral standards in everyday life. Many Christians emphasize the objective nature of their morals not because they adhere to them more faithfully—often they do not—but to foster a sense of superiority. This frequently leads to hypocritical judgments of others who follow different ethical frameworks.