Even with religion ethics is relative. For example, what’s considered acceptable has changed drastically within Christianity over it’s history. A couple hundred years ago Christian leaders were burning women alive for “being witches.” Today that’s absolutely unthinkable.
Yes, many millions were murdered by Stalin and Mao, but it was rarely for their religion. Whereas many millions have been killed throughout history specifically because of their religion.
Not having an objective standard doesn’t make people go crazy and start chopping heads off. We’ve evolved to generally be pro social, so usually our internal moral compasses guide us regardless. Look at highly atheist countries in Western and Northern Europe, they’re not only doing fine, they’re more advanced and peaceful than highly religious countries.
Even with religion ethics is relative. For example, what’s considered acceptable has changed drastically within Christianity over it’s history. A couple hundred years ago Christian leaders were burning women alive for “being witches.” Today that’s absolutely unthinkable.
Yes, many millions were murdered by Stalin and Mao, but it was rarely for their religion. Whereas many millions have been killed throughout history specifically because of their religion.
Not having an objective standard doesn’t make people go crazy and start chopping heads off. We’ve evolved to generally be pro social, so usually our internal moral compasses guide us regardless. Look at highly atheist countries in Western and Northern Europe, they’re not only doing fine, they’re more advanced and peaceful than highly religious countries.