A question that came up in a deep, late night conversation....
Was religion a necessary tool for building moral and ethical standards in
early civilizations or social groups? Or did someone simply invent the fear
of "Going To Hell" to impose their will on the masses?
I suppose that also implies the question of if morality and ethical behavior
is a learned response or if they could be a genetic response.
This question is NOT about self righteous, over the top, religious fanatics
that justify bad behavior and wars, all in the name of God..
Of course there are those that have used religious fear to manipulate people
and to justify a means to an end (yes, these are over simplifications), but
would morality and ethics have developed in ancient civilizations without
the fear of consequences?
Gary -----> who suspects that he will regret asking this question.
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