Steve

The question posed is this: Why should I, if I don't believe in an afterlife or a supreme being, not be a mass murderer? If all that exists is here and now, what possible difference does it matter if I go out and commit wholesale slaughter, just for the fun of doing it? If there are no consequences to me outside of this life, and that's what I really want to do, why shouldn't I do it? What is the basis of any question of morality? Isn't morality what I decide is good or bad? Who's to disagree with me, and by what authority? Yes, there are laws, but if I'm willing to live with the legal consequences, why shouldn't I just go out and kill anyone and everyone I see? And what if I just go out and kill people who do things I think are wrong? What if I let you decide who I should kill? Even better, what if I post a forum on the entire world wide web and let people vote, then go kill those everyone wants killed?

Why should I not become a mass murderer? If it makes me happy, if I feel good doing it, and especially since there's no consequences for my actions beyond this lifetime, why shouldn't I just go out and slaughter whoever I want, whenever I want, as often as I want? Furthermore, what if I only murder people who are impacting the world in a very negative way, so that I leave the world a better place than when I got here, and a better, safer place to live for future generations? I ask this question seriously, and would appreciate serious responses only. This question is asked in light of the very respectful answers I got to my questions yesterday.

Why should I not become a mass murderer? If it makes me happy, if I feel good doing it, and especially since there's no consequences for my actions beyond this lifetime, why shouldn't I just go out and slaughter whoever I want, whenever I want, as often as I want? Furthermore, what if I only murder people who are impacting the world in a very negative way, so that I leave the world a better place than when I got here, and a better, safer place to live for future generations? I ask this question seriously, and would appreciate serious responses only. This question is asked in light of the very respectful answers I got to my questions yesterday.

I appreciate your answers and your candor. Some answers were somewhat surprising, some were what I expected. But to all who answered, with all respect, what is the point of life, in light of what you hold dear? You've said family, friends, living for the moment, leaving the world in better condition than you arrived, and some just to have a good time. I just want to know what you think the purpose and point of life is, especially in light of things you've said are important to you, if there's nothing more after this life.

You seem to accept every other theory in the universe as fact, so would that do it for you? Would you believe in Him then? Is that what it would take? Would that be enough? This is my first question here, so take it seriously.