Question #2: Can we be good without God?

I believe people can be good without God.  I think human nature and life experience influence a person's behavior.  For example, if a child is raised in a home in which there is no belief in God, he or she can be taught appropriate (good) behavior through the use of values such as morals or ethics.  Also, there are many people who believe in God who do not exhibit 'good' behavior.  Therefore, there is no innate connection between a belief in God and being 'good.'

There are many aspects of human nature that influence our behavior.  It is sometimes our human nature to risk our own life to save the life of a complete stranger.  Little children enjoy doing nice things for people they love, even though they may be completely unaware of the existence of God.  It is also human nature to become angry toward another person, even to the point of physical violence.  Even a baby can feel compelled to hit another child, and human beings have been going to war against each other for thousands of years, with or without their worship of God.

Our life experiences also influence our behavior.  If a child is raised with kindness, he or she will usually treat others the same way.  If a person experiences anger or abuse, he or she may act out with anger or abuse toward others, as well.  Again, this occurs in people who do believe and who do not believe in God.