I submit, behind every theology dedicated to the worship of a Supreme Being, there is an even deeper philosophical concept—one dedicated to human values and amelioration of the human condition.
This deeper philosophy is predicated on the sanctity of life—of human life primarily but with a healthy respect for all life as a closely-related and virtually inseparable corollary.
Normal, sane, rational people respect life and living things. They understand that it is necessary to kill animals for food but it is not necessary to engage in unnecessary or wanton slaughter of living creatures.
“Live and let live”: vegetarians go further and will not consume meat from sentient beings. Their dietary practices reinforce the notion that human beings are capable of feeling empathy for non-human species with whom we share this precious planet.
The belief in and the reverence of a Supreme Being: what does this mean for ordinary people?
From whence developed our deepest emotional-intellectual roots of religion, save out of respect for human life?
Religions should respect life. When religions forget, atheists remember.
