The trick is, those that are motivated *to do good* by the so-called Christian ethic *would be so motivated if there were no Christianity*, since what they are are basically decent people.

In contrast, those motivated to do evil need an excuse, which religious texts, and prophets, offer in plenty. Were those texts non-existent and prophets found silly, the basically nasty would have to find another excuse.

It's the harm, people. It's the harm.