To the editor:

Like far too many theists, Robert Smith, in a recent letter to the editor argues that morality must come from God or else all morality is subjective. However, he fails to see the subjectivity of his own position.

If everything God does is moral, then even the most heinous of acts, if performed by God, are perfectly moral and good. Is the ancient slaughter of men, women and children in the Old Testament to be considered moral and good just because it was willed by God?

Some, like Richard Smith, might think so, but most of us can agree that it is a disgusting and vile thing for God to command. We have a moral compass of our own, separate from God. This morality comes from empathy we all share toward our fellow humans, especially those close to us. We know what causes discomfort and suffering, and we wish to prevent the same suffering to befall those we care about.

As an alternative to God-driven morality, we can use our own reason to observe and determine which acts will cause suffering, and which will relieve suffering. No, we may not be designed by God, but does that make the interactions we have between us any less meaningful? The harm we can choose to inflict on each other any less painful? I think not. We have the same hopes, fears and dreams.

I think that this should be the basis for our morality. Not the subjective whims of some angry, invisible deity.

Kyle Batson,

Lawrence