One does not need to believe in "God" to be moral.

INTRODUCTION As is my job as the Con "speaker," I do oppose this resolution and argue that without a belief in God one cannot be moral. My argument does not simply rest on the Bible, although I may reference it in future rounds. My argument will rest primarily on the definitions which my opponent has provided. DEFINITIONS I agree with all my opponents definitions, particularly the definition of religion as "Christianity" and God as "the Christian Deity," for it is my position that any religion outside the Christian religion is a false religion and any deity aside from the Christian Deity is a false god. I would like to, however, emphasize his definition of moral: "principles or habits with respect to right or wrong conduct" It is upon this definition that I will base the entirety of my argument. ROADMAP So, with definitions out of the way, I will proceed with my argument as follows: a) To demonstrate that there must be a standard for morality b) To prove that God is the standard for morality c) To prove that no man can lead a moral life ARGUMENT Contention #1: There must be a standard for morality To repeat, my opponent defined moral as "principals or habits with respect to right or wrong conduct." Within this contention, I plan to focus on the last little bit, "right or wrong conduct." As my opponent stated, "everyone has varied morals." If morals are simply personal principles or habits, then we have no way through which to determine if one is moral or not. You may say that murder is wrong, I may say it is right. By what right do you say that I have an immoral viewpoint? Why is my conduct wrong and yours right? If you say it is because my viewpoint harms other people, then I must ask, why is harming other people bad? Of course, the above scenario is a little ridiculous–we both agree that murder is wrong. But why do we judge murder to be wrong and something like giving to the poor to be right? How can we make such a judgement, if there is no standard of morality? We must–nay, we do–have an intrinsic standard. There must be an objective standard for morality if we are to judge right from wrong. Contention #2: God is the standard for morality Only through believing in God can we call evil "evil." Our standard for morality cannot be derived from nature because moral behavior is not seen amongst our fellow creatures. Unless there is force that commands us to live moral lives, then we have no reason to live morally. Why would I not kill a man so I could take his food, unless there is a deity which has given me the knowledge that murder is wrong? Animals certainly kill each other all the time. Please address this in the next round. I will be happy to elaborate on anything you question. Contention #3: No mankind can live a "good" life. Because we have not agreed that God gives us the standard of morality, I will base my arguments in this contention not upon the Ten Commandments, which are the only perfect laws to govern man, but upon general beliefs of right and wrong (which of course, come from God :p ) Let's say your morals are simply your beliefs and practices about right and wrong. I must assert that your actions reflect your beliefs. If you believe rape is wrong, you will not rape. I'm sure you would agree that lying is wrong, and thus I can assume that lying is against your morals. Have you ever lied? I'm sure you have (no offense!) If so, then you're not living in accordance with your morals, and thus you are immoral. I'm sure you would agree that hatred is wrong, and thus I can assume that hating people is against your morals. Have you ever been so mad at someone that you can punch them in the face? (I'm so guilty of this one) Then you are (or you have) living (or lived) in a way inconsistent with your morals, and thus you are immoral. See the pattern? This does not simply apply to you because you are an atheist. I am demonstrating that no mankind can truly live a moral life because mankind is flawed. We are not perfect, but to be moral, we must be in perfect conformity to our morals. CONCLUSION Nobody can live a moral life, let alone without God. But God is our standard for morality. I look forward to your rebuttal :)