Yes, human morality was around before the 3 big religions were formalised, I'd say that it was from whenever man was aware of conscious self (and that is an interesting study...see reseach done on self-awareness in animals and it is very interesting indeed). This however agrees with the Judeo-Christian background that morality came in following the decision about adam&eve and the forbidden fruit...ie at the beginning of humanity.
You're wrong that greek philosophy predates the big 3 religions though. Most Greek philosophy (eg Aristotle, Socrates) dates from approx 400BC...and the early Greek philosphy Parmenides of Elea for example is only early 5th century BC. Given that Judaism and the Judeo parts of Christianity and Islam that come from the Torah predate this (the youngest part of the Old testament is approx 500BC) then your greek philosophy is much after the foundation of classical religion.
However, I would agree that human morality predates the formation of formal religion although these religions understand this (and can illustrate this understanding very easily through the Christian texts).
Gypsy, I agree and disagree...
Yes, human morality was around before the 3 big religions were formalised, I'd say that it was from whenever man was aware of conscious self (and that is an interesting study...see reseach done on self-awareness in animals and it is very interesting indeed). This however agrees with the Judeo-Christian background that morality came in following the decision about adam&eve and the forbidden fruit...ie at the beginning of humanity.
You're wrong that greek philosophy predates the big 3 religions though. Most Greek philosophy (eg Aristotle, Socrates) dates from approx 400BC...and the early Greek philosphy Parmenides of Elea for example is only early 5th century BC. Given that Judaism and the Judeo parts of Christianity and Islam that come from the Torah predate this (the youngest part of the Old testament is approx 500BC) then your greek philosophy is much after the foundation of classical religion.
However, I would agree that human morality predates the formation of formal religion although these religions understand this (and can illustrate this understanding very easily through the Christian texts).