I tend toward an "Existentialist" system of "ethics," which basically states that each individual must discover, or, more accurately "create" his or her own ethic. Basically because, as you seem to be moving toward: there is no "objective" truth that can be applied in each and every situation; therefore, it is left up to the individual to ascertain their own "truth." One of the more famous existentialists, Albert Camus, talks about the absurdity of our existence--how there is always "another perspective," or solution to an ethical problem; this results in an absurd universe in which each person is left to themselves to decide where to go. I identify very strongly with Camus' belief. Dogmatism is just ridiculous to me. Thanks for the post!

Similarly, the older I get, the more I realize how crucial mutability and flexibility is. We see it all the time, like in business, for example. The "old guard" becomes stagnant and self-satisfied that they have some sector "on lock--" and when they "new-fangled-young-gun" hits the stage, they balk at his precociousness. But it doesn't take a genius to see that his or her arrogance will be their downfall (pride goeth before...). Some companies such as Kodak, or Xerox seem to have fallen victim to this dogmatism. Unwilling, or perhaps even unable to change with the times, they have been absorbed and surpassed by those willing and capable of diversity!

But to further your statement about the Christian God being "immoral" for "killing," well... Yes and no. In my opinion, if you are going to adhere to the belief in a transcendent, omniscient being, then, necessarily, he (in this case) MUST be "above the law!!" Because if one allows for authority, well, then, there will necessarily be certain actions which the "underlings", by design, do not, and cannot understand. (Which is why the Bible also goes to great lengths to minimize human understanding and intelligence, while exalting "God's." (I.e, don't think too much or you might figure out what a scam this all is!! ;))

Personally, I've gone back and forth between belief and non-belief. I see the benefits and understand the basic ideas behind each, I think. (there again, a "good" Christian would likely not "lean on [his] own understanding..." but on God's: who will then "make straight your path..." (Proverbs, 3: 5-6).