> > So I guess the question I've been alluding to is this: what is morality, anyway?
> >Is it something we have because God or society says so,
> Yes.
> >or is it ingrained in man?
> Yes.
> >Are morals with us at birth,
> Yes.
> >in which case, man can be trusted to make these potentially earth-shattering decisions,
> No.
> >or is morality just another word for obedience?
> I could go either way.

Which brings us to the nature of morality again - that was not meant as much as a string of yes/no questions as I'm afraid it was percieved. The question was: do we have morals because we're good at heart, or because we're afraid of the consequences of evil?

> The other thing to consider is that, when there IS a moral question
> that matters one way or another, the relevant biblical
> guidelines for making that decision often take into
> consideration the motivation of the person making the decision.

So, it's alright with God if you cause mass destruction and death and suffering, as long as you meant well? Or does it just work in the other direction; no matter how much good comes of it, if the intent was evil, it is an evil act?

> A right decision made for the wrong reasons may work out fine
> for society, but the decision maker isn't going to be pleasing
> God with his choice.

So God cares more about intent than about results. If that's true, can we really put Him in charge of morality in technological development? He seems to be working from an agenda that is not always going to be beneficial to man... so, again, if enourmous chaos is caused in the name of good, how does God view that?

> Who makes these decisions? Whoever is
> in a position to.

So, might makes right? I can, therefore I am justified in doing so?

> It is of
> great relief to me that my decisions will almost
> certainly have a lesser impact on humanity than
> those of the inventor of the microwave.

To be honest, I had completely forgotten that this whole mess began with a discussion about microwaves.

But impact on humanity isn't always bad - you can't shy away from important, influential decisions just because there's a chance that you'll screw up!

dkd1