If I told ya, I'd hafta kill ya.
Well then by all means tell me and then kill me. I'm not afraid of death.
Any rule should have a full, logical explanation behind it that clearly explains the need for the rule, and the benefit of following it. Otherwise, individual hang-ups will likely be projected onto others who do not have that particular hang-up.
Projecting cultural hang-ups onto others can be problematic. Hence, the need for clear and logical explanations for the reasons behind the rules. Without that clear reasoning, people can become unreasonable when it comes to imposing rules.
While I generally agree with you that the reasons for religious laws should be explained as much as possible I don't think that it is always prudent or possible. Take for instance my suggestion that a belief in God instills a sense of stability in people who might otherwise tend to panic or become depressed during times of trouble and uncertainty.
It's kind of like telling a patient that they are getting a placebo. If you tell them that it is a placebo you loose the placebo effect.
The same argument that goes for explaining the need for God also goes for any description of the Universe as being perfect or benevolent.
On another note Seattle Gal I am not sure that I would use the term hang-up to describe people's beliefs. What you call hang-ups other people might call principles.
Have you been eating from that tree in the middle of the garden?
I'm not one hundred percent sure that I know what you're referring to. I have some ideas but lest I get the wrong one could you give me some more detail?
Well, your point is well taken, though a bit of a slippery slope. I was kinda going for a sunum bonum kind of thing here.
The point being that it is still pretty low on the moral development scale to be motivated by a reward/punishment model.
Sunum bonum? You'll have to forgive me I don't speak latin.
If not by positive and negative reinforcement what is a more evolved way to be motivated?
I had no intention to ... proselytize [in ] your thread!
No offense Art but I don't believe you.
I'd make it available in wii, psp, and whatever other electronic format in game form....
I like the idea. Though I think it might be better to put it in comic book ... I mean graphic novel form first.