CompuServe Messages

Ben, Sure, I could have obtained/been taught/learned/derived my moral values in any number of other ways. I don't claim for a second that Jewish religion, or any other religion, holds the patent on humane ethical behavior. Not at all. Every religion I know of has its dark side, which _in my mind_ seriously undermines any positive influence it may have. However, I was brought up in a particular religious/cultural environment; I made use, and continue to make use, of the tools at hand, even while rejecting what I saw (and see) as the dark side of my heritage. It should be clear that I don't believe my moral values are intrinsic in their source. If I did believe so, I would probably be studying Torah, Talmud, and Kabalah in some Yeshiva (religious school) in Jerusalem rather than pecking away at my Amy's keyboard. Ultimately, I hold my particular set of values because I believe they are good, and for no other reason. Hmmm, this is a thought-provoking discussion. Dave