Can man be good without god?

I believe that man can be good without god if it is in his best interest to be good. When it is not in the best interest of man to be good, he will participate in barbaric behavior. I believe that society creates laws and government in order to manage the impulses of man. The impulses of man are often times related to sexual conquest and power. A man’s search for power and sexual conquest could lead to negative ramifications for society.

Government is one tool that is used to control and sustain society. Government creates and enforces laws that are believed to ultimately benefit the society. When these laws are no longer deemed worthy and helpful they are destroyed. Sometimes governments impose laws that meet opposition from residents. When these laws meet opposition, it becomes extremely difficult to rule the people.

The difficulty to rule people is where the notion of god can be put to use. If the people reject the wishes of government, the will of a divine force can be introduced in order to shape the will of people. Religion can encourage people to do great things, but it is more often used as a way to make people refrain from actions. Many immoral decisions are prevented as a result of a fear of god. I believe that the notion of a god helps sustain morality, but I believe society could be good without god if that particular society places value on morality.