What's Good or Evil

[ShadowWolf514]

I have asked an atheist that if he does not believe in God who defines what is good? He answered: “Things that hurt others generally seem evil. Things that make everybody happy are generally seen as good.” I guess the point of my question was to make the point that if there is no God then what is good and evil are just opinions. So does anyone know about this better? If you do please suggest what to say back. (We are debating by e-mail.)

 

[nickybr38]

That viewpoint can get tricky because things we view as hurt another may not view as hurt.

For example, what if you say something that is hurtful to another’s psyche? Is free speech then wrong?

 

[Bearontherun]

The first section of the book Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis would be a perfect place for you to look at good ways to address this exact topic IMHO.

From what I recall, Lewis reasons that our innate knowledge of what is good, just, right, etc. must come from God. Across cultures, times, etc., the sense of and desire for fairness is present (it may differ in small nuanced ways, but overall it stays remarkably constant).

You can tell your friend that the desire not to hurt someone (to be good) comes from God. I highly recommend getting your hands on a copy of that book because C.S. Lewis really reasons through this topic wonderfully IMHO.