so, so you think you can tell, heaven from hell?

Those are some very confusing questions. Firstly, religion isn't based on morals. No one sets down a list of morals and creates a religion around it. A religion is centered on the figure worshipped, in my case, the Judeo-Christian God of the Bible. Morals are based on laws given by God. Then I think you are confusing morality and law with justice. A law is what it is, it states what you may or may not do. However justice considers mitigating factors. Therefore, I can say it is always wrong to steal, but extend mercy to one who has stolen a loaf of bread to feed his starving family. There are no gray areas in the difference between right and wrong, there are circumstances and opinions, there is justice that is tempered by mercy. If many people believe God judges, then you have answered your own question about who decides what is good and bad in morality. Nearly all major laws governing human behavior stem from the original 10 laws given by God to Moses and they still are accepted as being of overriding importance: Do not kill, do not steal, etc. Therefore, in this case, God gave the law which establishes morality and by incorporating these laws into secular society, society proclaims them right and moral.

First of all, I dig the title. Pink Floyd is one of my favorite groups. I personally have always felt that causing harm to another person is immoral wheras society has it's own views of morality. As far as ethics is concerned, I've always thought that ethics is also fairly subjective, but I've never studied the subject. So I would need to get back to you

Ethics can be situational, morality is not... or at least, it shouldn't be. I read your headline and had a strange compulsion to write, blue skys from pain can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail? a smile from a veil? Do you think you can tell?* Of course, my mom always said I couldn't tell my butt from a hole in the ground, so what do I know? * The rest of the first verse of Pink FLoyd's immortal "Wish You Were Here", to satisfy the legal niceties. Written by the twisted genius Roger Waters, all rights reserved, etc, etc, etc.

hey..isn't that line from a Pink Floyd's song? i barely remember but i use to listen to floyd in college along time ago...that was another lifetime. i think the song was "Wish your were here". if i humm it long enough the lyrics will come back.... "so, so you think you can tell Heaven from Hell, blue skies from pain. can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail? a smile from a veil? do you think you can tell?" ..hahaha. there.

It is society who decides what is good or bad. Anyone who looks at the history of humanity can see that clearly.

As teaching in the church when you do good things you will be rewarded. And when you do bad you'll gonna pay for whatever you've done whether it is immoral or unethical. There is God above whose checking on us, not to judge us but to guide us on our daily activities, only a whisper of prayer would do a lot.

I judge heaven and hell, right and wrong, based on my gut. when i'm doing something that is wrong for me or if something is wrong in my life...i feel it very strongly in my gut...it hurts. to me that is an indicator. We all have our own morals and standards. As you say, some things are black and white. tough question you have posed here. You are absolutely right. You really are. I guess i try hard not to get too self-righteous on these issues because each situation is different and just when I state a firm view on something...someone will offer up a situation that gives me pause to reconsider. I guess I only know whats right for me and beyond that I really dont know anything.

As teaching in the church when you do good things you will be rewarded. And when you do bad you'll gonna pay for whatever you've done whether it is immoral or unethical. There is God above whose checking on us, not to judge us but to guide us on our daily activities, only a whisper of prayer would do a lot.