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Contemporary Commandments.
(excerpt from an article at the Ethical Atheist)
posted on 5th April, 2005
1. Don't Believe All That Is Told
Humans are generally very gullible and will believe all sorts of false statements, stories, etc. We can even continue to believe falsehoods after they have been proven untrue. History is full of amazing hoaxes often supported by religion and it's teachings. We have been told the Earth was flat and it is the center of the Universe. We have been told that personalities and future events are predictable using astrology, card reading, crystal balls and palm reading. We have been told of prophecies by Nostradamas. We have been told of speaking with the dead, the dead rising, life after death, reincarnation and bending spoons, to name only a few. We must be more skeptical in what we are told, what we read and what we are exposed to through the various forms of broadcast media. When exposed to something new, do NOT accept what you hear without facts to support it. You must always be on guard to protect yourself and your knowledge.
2. Constantly Seek Knowledge & Truth
There are many adverse factors making it difficult for us to obtain knowledge and truth. There is often no motivating factor driving others to present you with fair, factual, scientific truths. By weaving a complex web of lies, religions are able to control people and remain in power. Governments may hide facts and events for fear of scaring the public. Therefore, we must take an active role in our own education and constantly seek the truth. It isn't always obvious and is often very difficult to obtain. Make time to read non-fiction. Make time to view educational programs.
3. Educate Your Fellow Man In The Laws Of Science
People are generally lazy and hold onto currently held false beliefs. This condition is not acceptable. It is not good enough to sit comfortably with your knowledge of the Universe and look in pity at those who are still governed by lies, mythology and sensationalism. Scientific education is the only way to prevail. Only by increasing the comprehension of scientific truths can we hope to continue our progress past the Dark Ages. Only if the world contains more educated people can we hope to not have setbacks. Don't sit silent and be a closet intellect. Enlighten your neighbor.
4. Don't Forget The Attrocities Committed In The Name Of God
Many people have limited knowledge, or none at all, of the atrocities committed in the name of religion. No religion is unique in their cruelty. For example, Muslim civilizations often imprison, torture or kill those attempting to convert their citizens to Christianity. Few are even remotely aware of these atrocities or think, "Oh, that was a long time ago and could never happen again". However, it hasn't been that long ago and is still occurring today in countries like Bosnia, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, Israel, Tibet and Afghanistan.
5. Live In Peace With Your Fellow Man
This should not need stating, but murders, torture, wars and brutality are ever present in all civilizations on earth and have been for all of recorded history. Most of the large scale wars, as well as suicide bombers, are driven by religious beliefs and the belief in an afterlife. Even though many religions claim to be against killing, they promote that killing for god is divine and will ensure a special status in the afterlife. If we didn't have these widespread mythological beliefs, there would likely be a massive decrease in the killings.
6. Live This One Life You Have To The Fullest
We do not have an afterlife nor will we be reincarnated to live again in another form. It is, therefore, imperative that we live this one life we have to it's fullest. We should not live in a puritanical way, starving ourselves of pleasures, in hopes that it somehow makes us better or that we will be judged more favorably in our "next life". However, in living our lives to the fullest, we must always be conscious of our actions to ensure that they do not have adverse effects on our fellow man.
7. Follow A Personal Code Of Ethics
Everyone should have their own personal code of ethics that drives their behavior. What this contains is an individual undertaking, but current laws are a good starting point. It should be self-evident that murder, lying and stealing should be avoided and honoring your mother and father are necessary, assuming of course that they are worthy of this respect. In general, a personal code of ethics would not cause harm to others, would be anchored in truth and would strive to make society a better place.
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