The system of thought is called Humanism, that is putting the human beings first, ( plus feeling animals to my mind ). As soon as you start to set up other things, like gods, immortal ancestors or spiritual nature, which are seen as having their own motives and intentions, then you are no longer putting human wellbeing first.

And since those things do not communicate, because they are not real, their supposed intentions can be manipulated by those of bad intent to serve any evil they wish.

I don’t understand how needing the threat of hell in order live a good life is something be proud of. I think if that were the case for me, I would want keep it a secret.

Actually, I don’t believe most religious people actually do require this threat. I think many of them have just convinced themselves that they do.

At this time religion is starting to show it's true colors. Basically, control and a way to allocate limited resources to a select few. Everyone else be damned.

Good stuff. Makes sense ... and I was thinking the very same thing today. About not needing a God supervisor making sure you "act good" in order to "be" good

Thanks for this. I enjoyed listening to it. Here's the link if anyone wants to listen:

[npr.org]

That is why I like the American Humanist Association stance of being good without god. I don't know when I developed the mindset that I have, but I strive to be better and to do good. I try to do good for the planet, for my family, and for my fellow man. I have a "mama bear" streak, I look out for my cubs and my broad definition of "my cubs" is anyone who is weak and in need of help. When I looked at scriptures with an eye open for fair treatment of the weaker, I was dismayed. I think that is when my fall from xianity was accelerated.

If religious people all felt that way, it would be a much better world.