Quote Originally Posted by doc_bean
My parents thought me part of it, another part of morality is simply encoded in my genes because that kind of morality is beneficial to "society", and more importantly, my own survival (and chances to reproduce, and my possible future offspring).

If there is such a thing as absolute morality, how come some people claim piracy is one of the most heinous of crimes and others see it as a normal activity. How come women can walk around half naked here, yet have to be fully (I do mean fully) covered in same middle eastern places. How come a Pakistani tribal court can think gang raping someone's sister is a good sentence, while I find that disgusting ?

There's even a huge difference of morality between christians. How could the inquisition (clergymen no less) apply torture yet follow the same Bible as Methodists or the Amish ? Why do so many christian Americans approve of the death sentence, while christian workers around the world protest this practice ?

Morality is not absolute, it's relative, a way for a society to function. Society benefits mankind (medicin, science,taking care of eachother). That's why we have morality, because we are 'social' beings.
Yes I am familiar with the arguement of absolutes. I think it's best to condemn these evil things, accept they are not part of what Jesus Christ taught, and follow his teachings. Luckily, I will probably never encounter a scenario in which my absolute values are to be tested (having said that, I plan to join the army).