Does God decide what is right or wrong? Or does right and wrong exist independently of God?

I think 2000 years has been enough proof that religion does not in any way provide morality to anyone.

There are a multitude of people walking around with things they think they can not be forgiven of and Paul murdered someone and Moses did also. King David a Man Of God's own heart had someone murdered out of love for this man's wife. God is a loving and forgiving God.

I believe in The Lord's Prayer he says forgive those that trespass against us. We are to forgive-because we will be forgiven in the same measure we forgive.The 6th commandment is Thou Shalt not Murder, but that doesn't mean we can't be forgiven when we ask in complete and honest repentance.We have a set of standards we live by and we want to be treated the way we would have others treat us. God loves us and wants us to ask forgiveness and he graciously gives it through his son Jesus Christ.

If we don't forgive-We hurt our self more than we hurt anyone else.

Well, that depends on your definition of "sin".

If "sin" is (as most people would define it) acting against the stated will of God, then sin is definitely based on God's decision that it is wrong. (Just because God chose things that are ALSO ethically wrong doesn't change the fact. Notice that God says no murder stealing, lying, coveting, etc but He says nothing about making fun of the way people dress, or playing loud music in public places. God was selective in the ethical things He outlawed.)

ON THE OTHER HAND... if you define "sin" as acting against the best interests of the majority... or as injuring another person physically, fiscally, and/or emotionally... then of course, God is just pointing out things that are naturally "sinful".

(So, God saying that spinach is bad because HE doesn't like it doesn't MAKE eating spinach a sin. God was just stating a personal preference...not naming a "sin".)

The Bible, which is the Word of God ultimately sets the standards for right and wrong. However, the basics of the Golden Rule and human government, which God set into place has a lot to do with humans' sense of right and wrong. Also, right and wrong issue vary by culture.

I've often pondered this. If God decides what is evil, then sins are arbitrary. If sins are inherently evil, then what do we need God for? Most Christians believe the former, most atheists the latter.

It exists independently. Look at the 10 commandents for example. Theres nothing original there. Thou Shalt not Steal. Wow!!! thats so original!!!! I'm sure people thought stealing was ok before that!!!

Right and Wrong exists whether or not there is a god.

God has already decided what is right and wrong, and it's all contained in His Holy word, The Bible. It's up to us to decide if we want to obey Him or not, then we all will be judged some day & see what God thinks of our decision.

Because god has always been around, so therefore His word has always been around. He wouldn't just change his mind and say it is alright. It is WRONG. C.S. Lewis wrote a book called "Mere Christianity". It discusses right and wrong, and what God has to do with it. i think you might enjoy it.

1) God rightly instructs us as to what is right and what is wrong.

2) He does not change (James 1:17)

God gave us the Ten commandments. Except by the grace of God no one can keep them. Yes God has set laws and no they do not change although satan would lead you to believe that they do. Trust in Jesus and He will set your path straight.

If u had killed God 5 minutes in the past, the full cosmos could be disintegrating & falling aside all like now. the very certainty that that may no longer happening proves that u have not killed God.