[IROC]

Z, unfortunately many people do seem to think along the lines of "what's in it for me". A lot of these folks end up in prison. Being a functioning member of society means playing by the rules. These rules have evolved over millions of years. They weren't made up arbitrarily - they arose out of some need.

I think that man has learned to live in "societies" over the millenia by somewhat of a system that approximates the Golden Rule. It is simply in one's best interest to behave. It serves you in the long run. Big time. So, most people ultimately play by the rules out of selfish reasons. That's why it works. It's not due to 10 sorta fuzzy commandments written on stone tablets.

I think the fallacy in your thinking still goes back to the idea that if it was somehow proven tomorrow that god did not exist, do you think people would suddenly become raping, pillaging, thieving animals? Some might, but some are already that way. I don't think most would. Most would behave themselves because it is simply in their best interest to do so.

If I'm wrong, most Christians are only barely held in check by their fear of god. That's scary. I don't think that's the case.

Mike