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[€uroMeinke]

Originally Posted by David E

when you know that religious people are more likely to be monogamous

Um - I think there are lots of religions that allow polygamy - are you perhaps talking about "marital fidelity" - or by religion do you mean contemporary Christian?

[David E]

Originally Posted by €uroMeinke

Um - I think there are lots of religions that allow polygamy - are you perhaps talking about "marital fidelity" - or by religion do you mean contemporary Christian?

Yes, marital fidelity. Less chance of AIDS if you have one or several wives, vs. more promiscuous secular outlook. Since we are talking about Africa, the religion would probably be Anglican or Catholic, but it could be a tribal religion that is polygamous as you say, and my point would be the same: mongamy as opposed to promiscuity, not polygamy.

As you can see, I am arguing for good religion in general vs. secularism. I am not a fan of the emphasis on exclusivity that you point out. Having said that, of all of them I prefer the JC system as compared to the other 5 previously listed for the reasons I outlined.

[€uroMeinke]

Originally Posted by David E

As you can see, I am arguing for good religion in general vs. secularism. I am not a fan of the emphasis on exclusivity that you point out. Having said that, of all of them I prefer the JC system as compared to the other 5 previously listed for the reasons I outlined.

I guess I'm stuck on the concept of "good" religion - that sort of gets stuck in a circular argument when each religion defines what's "good" making itself defacto good.

It seems for you to even evaluate the morality or "goodness" of competing religions, you have to appeal to something outside the religious structure, using a non-theistic criteria like utilitarianism.

Now if you are saying that all religions are "good" that's one thing, but you seem to regard highly the "utility" of a good religion to motivate and respond to the fear of presumably "bad" religions defeating the "good."

But then again perhaps the "bad" religion defeating the "good"/our prefered religion is okay, becasue that's merely carrying out God's will and we will be consoled we convert and forgive the rape and murder of our heathen misguided wives and children.

[wendybeth]

I'm not particularly religious, and yet I manage to remain monogamous. I think I have a less difficult time doing so than many of my religious friends, several who are on their second and third marriages.

I can't help but think of men like Swaggert, Haggard, Bakker and their ilk (not to mention untold number of priests...) when I'm told that religion keeps people on the straight and narrow. Bull****. Personal ethics, mores, whatever you want to call it- maybe even down to a genetic level- are what make people who they are. Religion can influence ones morals, but ultimately their innate self will win out if that's the ONLY reason they can find to 'behave'.