DO WE NEED GOD TO BE MORAL?

APRIL 7, 2013

A few days ago, I was in the Express grocery line that's designed for customers with around 20 items or less. I have stood in this line many times and I must confess, sometimes there were at least 25 items in my cart. Zobia had gone to the rest room, Jeremiel was sitting in the cart and Zarius was standing on the front, anxious to put the items on the counter. This day we had possibly between 20-30 items.

I looked behind me, and there stood a very thin, frail looking young man with his cart almost literally overflowing. I quickly scanned his items and noticed, there was lots of junk food, hot dogs, party food, beef patties, pop, etc. Sensing I was suppose to converse with him, I said, looks like you are getting ready for a party. Can we come? He smiled and said, it's a party for me. I replied, that's no fun and asked Jeremiel would he like to come. Jeremiel shouted, yeah. I could discern the man was lonely, depressed and needed social interaction. I told him that Jeremiel wanted to give him a high-5. He quickly moved from behind the overflowing cart and communicated with our almost 3 years old son Jeremiel. Jeremiel is not shy, he loves to talk. Noticing the way the man stood and moved, I felt he had some medical problems and inquired again if all the food was really for a party. He said, no, I have to eat a lot of fatty foods, I can not gain weight. This food will be gone in no time. He further explained that he would probably starve to death if he missed a few days of eating. His heart rate is 120 and his body metabolizes food at an accelerated rate.

I felt the compassion of Jesus rise up in me and wanted to grab him and start laying hands and praying for him in the grocery line, I restrained myself. (Ten years ago I would have done just that). I asked him if he was a man of faith or every attended religious meetings and if so I would like to invite him to one. He said that he was an atheist and does not believe there is God. I replied, then you are a man of faith, it takes a lot of faith to not believe there is a God or Prime Creator. The Cashier chuckled as she overheard our conversation.

We discussed his Catholic background as Zarius placed the food items on the counter. I jokingly questioned how he came to this place of enlightenment, he explained while he was studying science in college, it confirmed to him, there is no God. I suggested that was probably many years ago and that many scientist now openly theorize "Intelligent Design."

It was time to pay for the food, Zobia had returned, I introduced her and told him God bless you. I am sure the cashier was shocked at the amount of groceries in his overflowing cart she would have to check in the 20 item Express Line. That was a divine set up, the frail man appeared to be in the early 30's name was John. He had to be there behind us in line with his overflowing cart; to hear, to touch and experience something. I left there feeling I had not probed deep enough, the job was not finished; that empty sinking feeling in my belly. Eye am sure Spirit was moving and the anointing was there to do more. I pray to see him again to minister the power of Christ love and healing. His name is John pray for him. Can you imagine having to constantly eat, just to stay alive? What's more, having no hope.

DO WE NEED GOD TO BE MORAL

As I was reading some of the headline news this morning, the article below got my attention. One of the world's leading primatologists, Frans B. M. de Waal, with decades of research of primates (apes) under his belt. He believes he can answer an age old question. Do we need God to be moral?

In my opinion, he did a pretty good job and presents a good case for an atheist. I suppose one of the things I could appreciate about this atheist is, he is not on a quest to convert others to Atheism, nor does he agree with other atheists that coerce non-atheist to abandon their belief in the supernatural or religion.

In Christianity and other religions, it is taught that one must believe and or have a personal relationship with God to be moral. Being an atheist, de Waal concludes that one does not need God to be moral. I actually partially agree with my atheist brother. Ok, drop those stones until you hear me out.

Here is what de Waal says. When an ape expresses grief or guilt or compassion he is living out the blueprint for survival in a culture that is becoming more complex, and possibly more dangerous. He is acting from within, not because he believes in God who defined right and wrong. De Waal puts it this way:

"The moral law is not imposed from above or derived from well-reasoned principles; rather it arises from ingrained values that have been there since the beginning of time."

I have met many people that believe they are agnostic or atheist over the years. Some of them I was privileged to be in close relationship/friendship with. One of them had a lifestyle and values very similar to mine, but he had convinced himself there was no Creator.

Mr. de Waal falls short in realizing that Prime Creator God exist in everyone and everything. The essence of this Being's consciousness is expressed through everyone and everything. Therefore, a person or animal does not need to have an encounter with God or even a belief in a Supreme Intelligence to have a sense of morality.

The Apostle Paul argues in Romans chapter 1 & 2:

For that which is known about God is evident to them and made plain in their inner consciousness, because God [Himself] has shown it to them.

For ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made intelligible and clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made (His handiworks). So [men] are without excuse [altogether without any defense or justification]." Romans 1:19-20 Amplified Bible

"Indeed, when Gentiles (unbelievers), who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.) Romans 2:14-15 NIV

The Psalmist David said, "Let everything that is breathing acknowledge or praise God." So we see, this God consciousness which produces what is termed morality is in everything that breathes.

Jesus said, "If they are not allowed to praise me the stones will cry out." So we see, this consciousness is not limited to humans and animals, but even inanimate objects expresses this consciousness. Point being, one does not have to consciously be aware of a Supreme Intelligence to express His character (live what is perceived morally). As Dr. de Waal says, "He is acting from within." What de Waal does not understand is, that within is the God consciousness that permeates everything and everyone.

Read the article here: DO WE NEED GOD TO BE MORAL

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