In this podcast, Ben Bayer challenges the idea that a fear of God is necessary for morality, highlighting how it hinders moral wisdom. He discusses the impact of fear on moral guidance, love of virtue, and intellectual independence. The episode explores the relationship between faith, fear, and moral wisdom, shedding light on the importance of rational thought in ethics.
A fear of God undermines moral wisdom by instilling fear of intellectual independence required for moral guidance.
The fear of God hinders the development of objective moral wisdom and virtue, leading to fear-driven ethics.
Deep dives
The Role of Religion in Providing Meaning and Guidance
Some individuals, including notable atheist Ayan Hirsi Ali, have turned to religion, specifically Christianity, for a sense of meaning in a presumably morally decadent society. The podcast explores why intellectually inclined individuals are drawn to religion as a source of guidance and purpose in life, contrasting this with secular perspectives. It delves into a video by Owen Anderson from Prager University, where he argues that religion, particularly the fear of God, is essential for establishing morality.
Wisdom and the Biblical Influence
The podcast discusses the concept of wisdom as a solution to existential anxiety and societal moral dilemmas. It introduces the idea of turning to the Bible, an ancient text that emphasizes the fear of God as the foundation of wisdom. This discussion challenges traditional philosophical reasoning by suggesting that religious teachings provide a framework for addressing life's uncertainties and establishing moral order.
Critique of Religious Morality and Fear-Based Ethics
Addressing the premise that fearing God leads to ethical behavior, the podcast scrutinizes the correlation between religious beliefs and moral conduct. It questions the effectiveness of fear-driven ethics in fostering virtue, highlighting alternative perspectives that emphasize self-esteem and rational decision-making. Additionally, the discussion explores the limitations of relying on religious doctrines for moral guidance, suggesting secular approaches based on reason and individual values.
https://youtu.be/oV-deDzZNH8?si=MbfQzzp1Qa6D4tLC
Podcast audio:
In this special episode of New Ideal Live, Ben Bayer responds to a PragerU video which argues that moral wisdom requires a “fear of God.” Bayer argues that a fear of God undercuts moral wisdom and is driven by a fear of the intellectual independence that moral wisdom requires.
Among the topics covered:
The proposal that a fear of God provides the basis for an objective morality;
How the fear of God makes objective moral guidance impossible;
Why being motivated by fear undercuts our love of moral wisdom and virtue;
How faith is driven by a fear of the independence that moral wisdom requires.
Mentioned in this podcast is Onkar Ghate’s article “Finding Morality and Happiness Without God.”
The podcast was recorded on March 5, 2024. Listen and subscribe from your mobile device on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. Watch archived podcasts here
Image credit: Michael MLPG/Shutterstock.com.
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