What if we knew the world was ending?

bocablkr · #1 10-21-2005, 08:57 PM

We have all seen the posts regarding whether theist or non-theists are more ethical (moral). Suppose we knew for a fact, that the world was going to end in our lifetimes. Do you think that would affect the answer to who is more moral?

RJT · #2 10-21-2005, 11:10 PM

Cab,

We all know we are going to die, now. How is this any different?

RJT

Siegmund · #3 10-22-2005, 03:43 AM

Welllll... if we look at the historical record, and see how the theist "doomsday sects" that were sure the world was going to end on various dates acted.... we see a small handful of groups taking vows of poverty and giving away all their earthly possessions... and a lot more groups that "go out with a bang", anything from spending money they can't afford to pay back to mass orgies to mass suicides when the appointed day passes without the expected results.

All in all the theists so far have not had a spectacular record, while the atheists have not been tested.

bocablkr · #4 10-22-2005, 12:35 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Cab,

We all know we are going to die, now. How is this any different?

RJT

[/ QUOTE ]

One word baby - legacy (or lack of in this case).

#5 10-22-2005, 03:07 PM

[ QUOTE ]
We have all seen the posts regarding whether theist or non-theists are more ethical (moral). Suppose we knew for a fact, that the world was going to end in our lifetimes. Do you think that would affect the answer to who is more moral?

[/ QUOTE ]

No.

RJT · #6 10-22-2005, 05:20 PM

I think a more appropriate word then is ego.

bocablkr · #7 10-22-2005, 08:57 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I think a more appropriate word then is ego.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ego to me, has a selfish connotation. Legacy is more about leaving the world a better place than it was when you started. In this case, that would not matter.