According to a 2000 study by Kinnear, Kernes, and Dautheribes, the seven most-practiced religions of the world, the United Nations, and the American Atheists identified a “short list of universal moral values.” These are (1) the commitment to something greater than oneself, which may include the recognition of and commitment to a Supreme being and …
Utilitarianism or Evolution Do Not Explain Grounding for Our Objective Moral Duties
Do we have universal and objective moral values and duties to do what's right? If we do, what grounds them? Atheists and agnostics frequently suggest our social development, the heritability of social traits, or utilitarianism offer an explanation of grounding, yet these explanations fail for several reasons. Below I have identified the reasons. Do we …
Is Our Conscience Evidence of a Benevolent God?
In his letter to the Romans (2:15), Paul wrote: “They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them.” Thankfully, we all have a conscience that can help us distinguish what is right from what is wrong …
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Why Does God Allow Suffering?
People sometimes question God’s wisdom and sovereignty when they witness suffering in the world, wondering why God would permit human suffering. Anyone who has witnessed human poverty, pediatric cancer or the deaths and injuries resulting from catastrophic weather events has likely had these questions in his or her mind. Why would God allow suffering? The …
Can Evil and God Co-Exist?
After reading and reflecting upon “The Problem of Evil” by Fyodor Dostoevsky, it struck me that he would devote his full attention to some of the most egregious crimes against humanity by focusing on the brutality of those who have tortured children in front of their mothers for pleasure. One can’t help but plea for …