Is religious belief NECESSARY for ethical decisions and/or behavior? Can Atheists be as ethical as religious folk (such as Christians/Jews/Muslims)? Why or why not?
I do not believe that religious beliefs are necessary for someone to be able to make ethical decisions or have ethical behavior. I believe that religious beliefs are more focused on the purpose of life and the understanding of the universe. Sure they have guidelines for someone to live but I do not feel that they govern all things ethical.
I give an example of the bible. You have a guy named Jesus that taught some great things. For example that one should love your neighbor and treat them well and also that you should go about doing good things to people and spreading happiness and love. I believe that if you integrate those practices and beliefs into your life that you would have them as tools to help you be an ethical person. For me personally I think that ethics have a strong tie to love and understanding. If you go around loving everyone and everyone else went around loving everyone things would be pretty good I think. So for you to make a choice that included other around you everyone would know that you are doing it because you love someone and not for your own personal gain. To answer the other side of the spectrum that has to do with that, perhaps maybe even if you love someone you still feel that it shouldn’t be done. I believe understanding to be able to answer the other half. From a religious stand point it seems like Jesus, I use Christian beliefs because I do not really know too many others, was a very understanding person. He always tried to bring peoples understanding to light and really taught people good hardy things. So with love and understanding, which I believe, is taught in religion, one can become a very ethical person.
The above paragraph I feel helps explain how someone that is not religious can be an ethical person. I see the religion has tools and can help someone be an ethical person. I feel that those qualities, those of love and understanding, can be acquired outside of a religious atmosphere as well. Learning to love your own children even if you are not religious is a very strong example. A parent, by nature, will care for the well being of their child. It is instilled in our biology. Thus anyone is capable of developing the attribute of love which I feel is an important part of having an ethical understanding. For the second part understanding is crucial which along with love I feel can be obtained outside of religious views. Anyone can sit back and analyze why someone may do what they do and talk a topic over with others to come to an ethical conclusion. Taking away our own bias and trying to see the view points of others, and I am not saying that we have to accept them, but only understand why someone thinks the way they do then you have the ability to make ethical decisions.
It is not delegated by religion to know and make all right and ethical choices. According to their religious beliefs they have come to a decision, religion is a tool in this aspect. Outside of religion are there other tools? Yes there are. For I believe that ethics is not so much of really who is or what group or people are making the true ethical decision, but that of coming together to understand what would be the best decision from all the options.
So what is right and what is wrong? They are points of view from both a religious and non-religious person. I truly believe that whether you receive your view points from a religious aspect or not, that what is good or evil and right or wrong can be attained through mutual love and understanding, which can be obtained in or out of a religious environment. I feel that it is our pride that stops us from trying to understand the views of others and the lack of communication that can cause dangerous things to happen.
Ethics and Religion Does one determine the other? Growing up my parents did everything in their power to instill Christianity into me and make me very aware of what they thought right and wrong was and how we should live according to to the bible and "gods will." As a child it seemed normal but as i got older and i really began to understand the bible i have a much different view about "religion" i do not agree with it and feel that it is just another way to control our society. Who is any man or woman to say that we will be given heaven or hell depending upon our actions or what is right or wrong in the way we think, speak, act and love? Do i believe in god? very much so but the bible was written so long ago and re-written so many times since that man has added his own moral code to it and uses it to his benefit for his followers, CONTROL. Do i regularly attend services on sunday absolutly. However, i live my life with the idea that i should treat others how i would want to be treated and i try to show love, compassion and respect to all creatures. Do i Think religious beliefs are necessary for ethical thoughts and behavior? No. i do not base my beliefs or behaviors on the way a pastor tells me i should.
Absolutely, I believe an ethical decision and actions reflect a person’s religious beliefs or upbringing. From birth we are tot what is right and what is wrong according to the religious beliefs of our parents, and over time a person will adopt these beliefs to their lives as they grow. Rather the person is religious or not, they can’t deny their beliefs come from some sort of religion teaching. “Do unto others as you would do unto yourself” that is personal favorite, however; I am not a religious person but because of the religious teaching of my family, I know what is ethically write, and wrong. I have adopted some of the religious teaching to fit my life. Religion has been around since the beginning of time and with that there has always been moral and ethical philosophy that fallowed. As for religious folk and atheists, yes; because an atheist may not believe in a god or a higher power, but there whole since of right, wrong, good and bad came from some kind of religious influence.
Religion is not necessary for one to be able to make ethical decisions. Ethics is based on personal belief standards and the ability to identify right from wrong. Ethical decision making usually results in the avoidance of future conflicts or problems that may arise. Religion and ethics are two totally separate things; religion is built on beliefs and practices of certain groups of people. Whereas ethics are built on morality whether or not an issue is morally right or wrong. Yes, an atheist can be just as ethical as religious folks. Just because someone does not believe in God or one particular religion does not necessarily mean that they do not know right from wrong. Ethical behavior is a vital part of everything we do; it plays a huge role in our day to day lives. Ethical behavior is the standard we have set for ourselves when interacting with others. It is the decisions we make justifying that we are fair, honest and respectful of others around us. Ethics is utilized in professional and academic activities but also is huge in how we treat others in all aspects of life.
Religion belief is a choice that everyone has. You can choose to be religious or not. I don’t believe that it is necessary for ethical decisions nor for behavior. Common sense is what really is needed to make the correct ethical decision for one ’s self. Whether you’re religious or not religion our surroundings or what we are exposed to is what gives us our ability to see what is wrong or right. I do think personally feel that religion can help you set up your personal guideline in which to live your life.
Atheist person I think is just as cable of being ethical as a religious. Being atheist doesn’t mean that they are evil people just that they don’t believe that there could be a superior being. If they are opened minded and are able to perceive the different between what is right and what is wrong then can be very ethical or just equal to someone who might be religious. They may not belief wise agree on things but surely they can both be equally ethical.
I do not think that religious beliefs are necessary for ethical decision making or behavior. The reason I believe this is although someone like an Atheist would not have a fear of divine retribution from God due to his actions, he may still fear society’s retaliation against them. I think ethical decisions and behavior have more to do with the idea of survival of the fittest. In order to continue living in a society that has set rules on what the vast majority deem as ethical or not, they must also follow those rules or face persecution.
I do think that an Atheist can be just as ethical as a Christian, Jewish, or Muslim person; but I do also think that the intention behind why they are as ethical is different. Where Christians practice their ethical beliefs in order to please God, Atheists may abide by the same rules in order to avoid discrimination from those who believe their standards come from a higher power. It is not God who they are afraid of, it may be those who follow him. Ethics are also closely tied with the United States legal system, so it is often in an individual’s best interest to follow those standards in which have already been set.
Ethics do have ties to religion but religious beliefs do not have total control over a person’s morals and therefore are not necessary to make a rational decision or action. Since ethical decisions can be made without a religious background it can be presumed that Atheists have the ability to be as rational and compassionate as a religious person. There are many things that are border line in some religious practices that are not ethical.
Some religions have immoral ideas and others have immoral practices. In Saudi Arabia, where my friend Chris spent his early childhood, his family were Muslim and had traditional beliefs that installed good manners and values. Unfortunately some of the laws in Saudi Arabia were unethical and the punishments were cruel. One such law raised questions about how the good nature that I believed my friend had could survive in a harsh place. Where his family had lived, there was a law that enforced a strict dress code for women as well as a deadly punishment. If a woman was outside without her husband she could be arrested and even stoned to death. When I found out that being “stoned to death” meant having a boulder dropped onto your body with you were trapped in a hole I seriously started to question if it was really right for the religious folk of the area to allow this. Religious beliefs do not always result in ethical behavior.
Although some religions do have their faults, there are also faults in some people who do not have religious faiths. For example, I have an uncle who goes to church and reads the bible like any good Christian but he is a horrible person. He will lie to get out of trouble and he manipulates his family into fulfilling his selfish desires. He has religious faith but is just a mean person and this cannot be changed by any law, religious or ethical. Religion only influences a person’s actions and thoughts so much. There are still many questions as to why some have the desire to wrong others.
Just like how religion and people have their faults, people of no faith do as well. An Atheist for example, does not believe in a higher power such as God and therefore does not follow a religious faith. An Agnostic does not practice religion but is spiritual. I believe that what determines whether or not a person is ethical has to do with what they believe in. You can be religious or Atheist or Agnostic and still be ethical. Ethics are meant to govern the actions you take towards other people in life in both the physical and mental realm. Good thoughts and moral actions are not limited to one faith or any faith at all. With religion, ethics are taught through faith. Without religion, ethics are natural or learned.
A person doesn’t need religion to be ethical; they just need a good head on their shoulders. How a person becomes well balanced and rational is irrelevant. I believe it doesn’t matter how any person gains good morals or ethics, just that they have them and use them for the benefit of mankind.
I do not believe that religious beliefs are necessary for ethical decisions or to have ethical behavior. I think it should depend on the person and how they where raised.
Blog #4 D’Onna Cooper Religious beliefs are not necessary for ethical decisions and/or behavior. Ethics and morals are ground in religious topics and doctrine, but what is ethical is determined by societies. The definition of what is right or wrong as determined by a group of people. The rules of living as dictated by groups of people make up our ethical compass. So one does not need to believe in God or Higher Power in order to live a ethical life. Religion is just doctrine agreed upon by a group of people. But it does not make the doctrine free from immoral beliefs, so religious folks can be unethical. I wasn’t raised in a religious household, however there was a belief in God, a creator. I was raised with a sense of right and wrong, good and bad. I acquired religion in my adult life but I believe that to make ethical decisions or behaviors religion is not needed just to have values and a moral compass. a
I think that certain religions are based on ethics and completely surrond there self and culture around it.It kind of just goes hand and hand. People make ethical and unethical decisions without religion ever playing a part. It just depends on what an individual person chooses to believe or practice. Regardless of what religion you may practice or athiestism everyone has ethics that they follow whether good or bad. We are all human and can believe in whatever we would like.
I argue that religious belief is not needed to make ethical decisions. On the contrary, religion is often used as an excuse to do something plausibly horrific such as beheadings and rape, things often found in a genocide situation, unreasonably justified via religious purposes. Throughout history there have been plenty of people who have said, “Why sure, she’s burning at the stake; serves her right for not following His word.” Or surely, saying something of the like. The idea of righteousness is the cornerstone for morality, and I see no need for a god or any other hierarchal figure in a situation that depends upon a morally fit decision. For morals, while greatly shaped by one’s civilization and traditions, is the creation of human inspiration, not the divine. As the divine cannot be proven or shown, how may one, believe and know such things? To believe what is right, is to use common sense, not take rules from an enlightened omniscient source and deem them moral, simply because their source is widely accepted. As I see it, to have faith, is to believe in something irrational with no proof of its existence or facts to back up said belief. Regardless of the ‘reliability’ many people see in religion, there is no true basis for this, which actually makes these superstitious believers more irrational than reliable when it comes to moral (or any other) decision making. Perhaps this is why it was deemed The United States of America must separate church and state. This must have been done because of the biased influences on decisions fueled by religious beliefs. In theory, this is a fantastic way to weed out the one sided arguments and those beings with their nose high in the air because they know better. However, as any informed American knows, this attempt was and continues to be futile. Disregard my reasoning, and the theory still holds true. One does not need religion or any religious influence to make an ethical decision. For instance, philosophers specializing in ethic matters of all kinds, in many cases are not religious and perform no regular, occult-like practices such as taking of the ‘Body and Blood of Christ’, attending church on Sunday, or praying West, towards Mecca. These practices seem irrational and would in turn hinder one’s decision making abilities. This rational decision making ability is something, in many cases, a philosopher holds dearly. Perhaps this is why I cannot bring myself to believe in these story tale claims of Heaven and Hell, a virgin mother, Pegasus, or that the rain is God’s tears. Maybe I could believe in these bedtime stories if I had no ethical or moral decision making abilities; then again, who’s really to say what is moral or ethical in the first place? Only ourselves.
No I believe that you don't have to be a religious person to have ethical reasoning. Religion is something thats gives us hope, and faith. Although there good teachings within religion, however it is really up to that individual choice to be that ethical person. Religion may be the map to a person pursuit happiness, but it all goes back to that persons morals. I strongly believe that atheist can be ethical as a religious person, due to the fact of that individual perception of their life. There may be a reason on why he chose to believe that way, but he may just same morals as a religios person would. A religious person may have grown up with many problems and may have a hard time to cope with life despite his or hers religious background or enviroment, it would be no different than an atheists.
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13 comments:
Trent Aldridge PHI101
I do not believe that religious beliefs are necessary for someone to be able to make ethical decisions or have ethical behavior. I believe that religious beliefs are more focused on the purpose of life and the understanding of the universe. Sure they have guidelines for someone to live but I do not feel that they govern all things ethical.
I give an example of the bible. You have a guy named Jesus that taught some great things. For example that one should love your neighbor and treat them well and also that you should go about doing good things to people and spreading happiness and love. I believe that if you integrate those practices and beliefs into your life that you would have them as tools to help you be an ethical person. For me personally I think that ethics have a strong tie to love and understanding. If you go around loving everyone and everyone else went around loving everyone things would be pretty good I think. So for you to make a choice that included other around you everyone would know that you are doing it because you love someone and not for your own personal gain. To answer the other side of the spectrum that has to do with that, perhaps maybe even if you love someone you still feel that it shouldn’t be done. I believe understanding to be able to answer the other half. From a religious stand point it seems like Jesus, I use Christian beliefs because I do not really know too many others, was a very understanding person. He always tried to bring peoples understanding to light and really taught people good hardy things. So with love and understanding, which I believe, is taught in religion, one can become a very ethical person.
The above paragraph I feel helps explain how someone that is not religious can be an ethical person. I see the religion has tools and can help someone be an ethical person. I feel that those qualities, those of love and understanding, can be acquired outside of a religious atmosphere as well. Learning to love your own children even if you are not religious is a very strong example. A parent, by nature, will care for the well being of their child. It is instilled in our biology. Thus anyone is capable of developing the attribute of love which I feel is an important part of having an ethical understanding. For the second part understanding is crucial which along with love I feel can be obtained outside of religious views. Anyone can sit back and analyze why someone may do what they do and talk a topic over with others to come to an ethical conclusion. Taking away our own bias and trying to see the view points of others, and I am not saying that we have to accept them, but only understand why someone thinks the way they do then you have the ability to make ethical decisions.
It is not delegated by religion to know and make all right and ethical choices. According to their religious beliefs they have come to a decision, religion is a tool in this aspect. Outside of religion are there other tools? Yes there are. For I believe that ethics is not so much of really who is or what group or people are making the true ethical decision, but that of coming together to understand what would be the best decision from all the options.
So what is right and what is wrong? They are points of view from both a religious and non-religious person. I truly believe that whether you receive your view points from a religious aspect or not, that what is good or evil and right or wrong can be attained through mutual love and understanding, which can be obtained in or out of a religious environment. I feel that it is our pride that stops us from trying to understand the views of others and the lack of communication that can cause dangerous things to happen.
Ethics and Religion
Does one determine the other?
Growing up my parents did everything in their power to instill Christianity into me and make me very aware of what they thought right and wrong was and how we should live according to to the bible and "gods will." As a child it seemed normal but as i got older and i really began to understand the bible i have a much different view about "religion" i do not agree with it and feel that it is just another way to control our society. Who is any man or woman to say that we will be given heaven or hell depending upon our actions or what is right or wrong in the way we think, speak, act and love? Do i believe in god? very much so but the bible was written so long ago and re-written so many times since that man has added his own moral code to it and uses it to his benefit for his followers, CONTROL. Do i regularly attend services on sunday absolutly. However, i live my life with the idea that i should treat others how i would want to be treated and i try to show love, compassion and respect to all creatures. Do i Think religious beliefs are necessary for ethical thoughts and behavior? No. i do not base my beliefs or behaviors on the way a pastor tells me i should.
Absolutely, I believe an ethical decision and actions reflect a person’s religious beliefs or upbringing. From birth we are tot what is right and what is wrong according to the religious beliefs of our parents, and over time a person will adopt these beliefs to their lives as they grow. Rather the person is religious or not, they can’t deny their beliefs come from some sort of religion teaching.
“Do unto others as you would do unto yourself” that is personal favorite, however; I am not a religious person but because of the religious teaching of my family, I know what is ethically write, and wrong. I have adopted some of the religious teaching to fit my life.
Religion has been around since the beginning of time and with that there has always been moral and ethical philosophy that fallowed. As for religious folk and atheists, yes; because an atheist may not believe in a god or a higher power, but there whole since of right, wrong, good and bad came from some kind of religious influence.
Tareney Frank
PHI-101
Religion is not necessary for one to be able to make ethical decisions. Ethics is based on personal belief standards and the ability to identify right from wrong. Ethical decision making usually results in the avoidance of future conflicts or problems that may arise. Religion and ethics are two totally separate things; religion is built on beliefs and practices of certain groups of people. Whereas ethics are built on morality whether or not an issue is morally right or wrong. Yes, an atheist can be just as ethical as religious folks. Just because someone does not believe in God or one particular religion does not necessarily mean that they do not know right from wrong. Ethical behavior is a vital part of everything we do; it plays a huge role in our day to day lives. Ethical behavior is the standard we have set for ourselves when interacting with others. It is the decisions we make justifying that we are fair, honest and respectful of others around us. Ethics is utilized in professional and academic activities but also is huge in how we treat others in all aspects of life.
nathalie gomez PHI 101
Religion belief is a choice that everyone has. You can choose to be religious or not. I don’t believe that it is necessary for ethical decisions nor for behavior. Common sense is what really is needed to make the correct ethical decision for one ’s self. Whether you’re religious or not religion our surroundings or what we are exposed to is what gives us our ability to see what is wrong or right. I do think personally feel that religion can help you set up your personal guideline in which to live your life.
Atheist person I think is just as cable of being ethical as a religious. Being atheist doesn’t mean that they are evil people just that they don’t believe that there could be a superior being. If they are opened minded and are able to perceive the different between what is right and what is wrong then can be very ethical or just equal to someone who might be religious. They may not belief wise agree on things but surely they can both be equally ethical.
Stephen Mangrum PHI101
I do not think that religious beliefs are necessary for ethical decision making or behavior. The reason I believe this is although someone like an Atheist would not have a fear of divine retribution from God due to his actions, he may still fear society’s retaliation against them. I think ethical decisions and behavior have more to do with the idea of survival of the fittest. In order to continue living in a society that has set rules on what the vast majority deem as ethical or not, they must also follow those rules or face persecution.
I do think that an Atheist can be just as ethical as a Christian, Jewish, or Muslim person; but I do also think that the intention behind why they are as ethical is different. Where Christians practice their ethical beliefs in order to please God, Atheists may abide by the same rules in order to avoid discrimination from those who believe their standards come from a higher power. It is not God who they are afraid of, it may be those who follow him. Ethics are also closely tied with the United States legal system, so it is often in an individual’s best interest to follow those standards in which have already been set.
Ethics do have ties to religion but religious beliefs do not have total control over a person’s morals and therefore are not necessary to make a rational decision or action. Since ethical decisions can be made without a religious background it can be presumed that Atheists have the ability to be as rational and compassionate as a religious person. There are many things that are border line in some religious practices that are not ethical.
Some religions have immoral ideas and others have immoral practices. In Saudi Arabia, where my friend Chris spent his early childhood, his family were Muslim and had traditional beliefs that installed good manners and values. Unfortunately some of the laws in Saudi Arabia were unethical and the punishments were cruel. One such law raised questions about how the good nature that I believed my friend had could survive in a harsh place. Where his family had lived, there was a law that enforced a strict dress code for women as well as a deadly punishment. If a woman was outside without her husband she could be arrested and even stoned to death. When I found out that being “stoned to death” meant having a boulder dropped onto your body with you were trapped in a hole I seriously started to question if it was really right for the religious folk of the area to allow this. Religious beliefs do not always result in ethical behavior.
Although some religions do have their faults, there are also faults in some people who do not have religious faiths. For example, I have an uncle who goes to church and reads the bible like any good Christian but he is a horrible person. He will lie to get out of trouble and he manipulates his family into fulfilling his selfish desires. He has religious faith but is just a mean person and this cannot be changed by any law, religious or ethical. Religion only influences a person’s actions and thoughts so much. There are still many questions as to why some have the desire to wrong others.
Just like how religion and people have their faults, people of no faith do as well. An Atheist for example, does not believe in a higher power such as God and therefore does not follow a religious faith. An Agnostic does not practice religion but is spiritual. I believe that what determines whether or not a person is ethical has to do with what they believe in. You can be religious or Atheist or Agnostic and still be ethical. Ethics are meant to govern the actions you take towards other people in life in both the physical and mental realm. Good thoughts and moral actions are not limited to one faith or any faith at all. With religion, ethics are taught through faith. Without religion, ethics are natural or learned.
A person doesn’t need religion to be ethical; they just need a good head on their shoulders. How a person becomes well balanced and rational is irrelevant. I believe it doesn’t matter how any person gains good morals or ethics, just that they have them and use them for the benefit of mankind.
I do not believe that religious beliefs are necessary for ethical decisions or to have ethical behavior. I think it should depend on the person and how they where raised.
Blog #4
D’Onna Cooper
Religious beliefs are not necessary for ethical decisions and/or behavior. Ethics and morals are ground in religious topics and doctrine, but what is ethical is determined by societies. The definition of what is right or wrong as determined by a group of people. The rules of living as dictated by groups of people make up our ethical compass. So one does not need to believe in God or Higher Power in order to live a ethical life.
Religion is just doctrine agreed upon by a group of people. But it does not make the doctrine free from immoral beliefs, so religious folks can be unethical. I wasn’t raised in a religious household, however there was a belief in God, a creator. I was raised with a sense of right and wrong, good and bad. I acquired religion in my adult life but I believe that to make ethical decisions or behaviors religion is not needed just to have values and a moral compass. a
I think that certain religions are based on ethics and completely surrond there self and culture around it.It kind of just goes hand and hand. People make ethical and unethical decisions without religion ever playing a part. It just depends on what an individual person chooses to believe or practice. Regardless of what religion you may practice or athiestism everyone has ethics that they follow whether good or bad. We are all human and can believe in whatever we would like.
Bethany
I argue that religious belief is not needed to make ethical decisions. On the contrary, religion is often used as an excuse to do something plausibly horrific such as beheadings and rape, things often found in a genocide situation, unreasonably justified via religious purposes. Throughout history there have been plenty of people who have said, “Why sure, she’s burning at the stake; serves her right for not following His word.” Or surely, saying something of the like.
The idea of righteousness is the cornerstone for morality, and I see no need for a god or any other hierarchal figure in a situation that depends upon a morally fit decision. For morals, while greatly shaped by one’s civilization and traditions, is the creation of human inspiration, not the divine. As the divine cannot be proven or shown, how may one, believe and know such things? To believe what is right, is to use common sense, not take rules from an enlightened omniscient source and deem them moral, simply because their source is widely accepted. As I see it, to have faith, is to believe in something irrational with no proof of its existence or facts to back up said belief. Regardless of the ‘reliability’ many people see in religion, there is no true basis for this, which actually makes these superstitious believers more irrational than reliable when it comes to moral (or any other) decision making. Perhaps this is why it was deemed The United States of America must separate church and state. This must have been done because of the biased influences on decisions fueled by religious beliefs. In theory, this is a fantastic way to weed out the one sided arguments and those beings with their nose high in the air because they know better. However, as any informed American knows, this attempt was and continues to be futile.
Disregard my reasoning, and the theory still holds true. One does not need religion or any religious influence to make an ethical decision. For instance, philosophers specializing in ethic matters of all kinds, in many cases are not religious and perform no regular, occult-like practices such as taking of the ‘Body and Blood of Christ’, attending church on Sunday, or praying West, towards Mecca. These practices seem irrational and would in turn hinder one’s decision making abilities. This rational decision making ability is something, in many cases, a philosopher holds dearly. Perhaps this is why I cannot bring myself to believe in these story tale claims of Heaven and Hell, a virgin mother, Pegasus, or that the rain is God’s tears. Maybe I could believe in these bedtime stories if I had no ethical or moral decision making abilities; then again, who’s really to say what is moral or ethical in the first place? Only ourselves.
No I believe that you don't have to be a religious person to have ethical reasoning. Religion is something thats gives us hope, and faith. Although there good teachings within religion, however it is really up to that individual choice to be that ethical person. Religion may be the map to a person pursuit happiness, but it all goes back to that persons morals.
I strongly believe that atheist can be ethical as a religious person, due to the fact of that individual perception of their life.
There may be a reason on why he chose to believe that way, but he may just same morals as a religios person would. A religious person may have grown up with many problems and may have a hard time to cope with life despite his or hers religious background or enviroment, it would be no different than an atheists.
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