No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin - Mandela

A FB conversation:

Kathy shared a link.

4 hrs · 

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Me: I wonder. Doesn't the sin nature mean we are born with a propensity to hate?

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Kathy: Well then love is learned? Are we born with both?

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Me: Good question. The thing I wonder is, can we love apart from the work of the Holy Spirit within us? When the ungodly love, is it because of their innate ability as humans, or something else? 

What do you think?

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Darla: Rich , Yes it is possible to love and to be a moral and good person with out a belief system of a God.

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Me: How do you know you're good?

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Darla: What is your definition of good? To me it means being sincere, treating others with respect, being as generous and humanitarian as possible. Not lying or cheating others, being honest. For a start....

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 · Reply · 26 mins

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Me: Meaning no disrespect, but rather enjoying the pursuit of this conversation. I was asking how you know certain things are good. My definition is unimportant. 

You said it was possible to be good without believing in God, and gave me some personal values, which I happen to agree with. But how do you know that these are good things? Why is sincerity, respect, and generosity good? 

And why should others agree with you about them and accept your moral imperative?

Darla: Rich, It's definitely a good topic for discussion, I recently listened to a philosophical debate on the subject and realized that my answers might not hold up when you get that deep in it?! Exactly the question you asked, unanswered. Whose morals are right and where do they come from? I guess I'll simply be someone who follows the golden rule, and hope that helps me be a good person. Thanks for an interesting and respectful conversation.

Me: Thank you as well. One last question, one I hope you'll answer.

Mt. 7:12 "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Following this Bible precept implies it has moral authority for you, and thus is religion based. Can you believe in religion without believing in God?