The question is; who is a moral man? Most theists believe that being religious answers that matter by default. Theists say that people who do not believe in a God cannot manage a society well because religion is a system that defines how an organization and every individual in it can be run. In countries that do not follow a religion; like the United Kingdom, people believe that society needs a culture that revolves around morals, but does not have faith. Though, whether this is true will be explained in this essay. To further elaborate on this topic, I would have to tell the terms religion and morality in detail(Crabtree).
Religion is supposedly a system in which there are beliefs and rituals through which its followers interpret and answer to the things they consider sacred and supernatural. Apparently, for the theists, all unexplained mysterious things are supernatural. Ordinarily religious beliefs differ from the culture of society. The religious ideas followed by people usually make up their identity. The conservative people of the community consider their religious views as something to be valued and guarded like a treasure(The Impact of Religion on Morality).
Hence, bias and enmities between one group with another, are usually related to religious beliefs. It also means that one team deems it perfect to discriminate against the other, because of their religious ideologies. For example, the Jews differ from the Arabs and justify it by saying that this is what Yahweh tells them. Mostly the religious beliefs are considered conservative and supposedly preserve social conventions because the people who follow them view their religion as having a divine origin. Hence, most religious leaders are against change, because they fear that turn might lead to God’s wrath(O’Brien).
Recently, it has come to the common knowledge that most religious people who undergo hard times and suffer in their lives; claim that this is what God wants for them. It means that these people enjoy their suffering and are content with it. Apparently, this is why the prophets who have taught a religion always ended up putting their lives in danger or sacrificing themselves; like Martin Luther King.
Morality, on the other hand, is more related to setting up boundaries of behavior conducted by members of society. These limitations ensure that the rights of one person do not overstep the other person’s rights. It means that morals are a kind of shield for the weaker members of the community. They serve the weaker members by ensuring that, the more powerful people of the city maintain a restraint when dealing with others. It also means that the more powerful people do not enjoy extreme power and advantages. The power distribution is supported by religious leaders who make sure that there are no victims.
To better understand each of the three largest and most popular religions’ views on this topic, I have given their narratives in this essay. First I would explain the views Hinduism has on morality in culture.
The Indian philosophy is founded on the Vedic-Hindu ideology. And because of its approach, the theory has become ingrained in the Indian culture. According to the Indian philosophers, other religions; like Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism is also a product of Hinduism. The philosophies of Hinduism have developed over the centuries. According to them, Ishwara, Bhagawan, and Parameshwara are all Supreme Authorities and claim a lot of influence among other deities. They also control everything that moves or that does not run. Hindus do not only believe in the Vedas but also in Upanishad, Smritis, Puranas, and Gita. According to the Hindus, the Puranas and the Vedas are prime sources of guidance for a man to acquire knowledge. And it is known from them that guides a person to a perfect path.
In the quest to make life more meaningful, morality is the essential element. For a person to lead a life with purpose, worthy, and in the indeed guided way he has to follow the Vedas. Morality, according to the Hindus, is the difference between right and wrong. It is the self-control of a person to choose the best option of the two. They further say that morality is not an ideal theory that has no real existence. In fact, it exists in all truly lively and active societies that are conscious of their roles in this life.
Hence, it is compulsory for everyone to select the right thing, and stick to it, no matter what. Even if he/she has to face adversity, he or has to make morality a part of his or her everyday life. Human behavior is no doubt an essential aspect, which plays a critical role in a person’s character and personality. It is human behavior that is linked to morality. Both morality and ethics come side by side. The ideals of the Indian community have been shaped solely by this explanation of morality.
On the other hand, the Buddhists view morality as a natural thing that flows by mastering one’s desires and ego. In fact, Buddhists claim that stress comes from one’s hopes for more. They believe that there are no moral laws in Buddhism and one’s decision to commit sin or not is the basis of one’s condition. Hence, it supports a thing called; Intentionality. It revolves around the fact that individuals view their problems. And analyze their choices with wisdom and understand what the consequences of their actions might be.
(Ume Nasreen)
Islam has completely different views, compared to Hinduism and Buddhism. Islam claims that it is a comprehensive code of conduct to live life. It is a complete moral system that teaches its followers the way to live life. Islam orders its followers to practice high morals instead of practicing something sinful. It asks its followers to be conscientious of its actions in all matters. Islam makes it clear that Muslims should adhere to moral principles, so that the wrong deeds may not become popular in society. According to Islam, the sole objective of Muslims is to make sure that harmful and illegal acts do not become widespread and common.
According to Islam, morality is the most important source to keep a nation intact, while immorality is something that causes a government to perish. It is why honesty is one of the principles of Islam. The Islamic moral system not just defines the meanings of morality but also guides the followers on the way to achieving success in society. Hence, the things that lead to good and success are morally sound in Islam, while what leads to loss and decline is immoral.
REFERENCES
Crabtree, Vexen. “Do We Need Religion to Have Good Morals?” Www.Vexen.Co.Uk, http://www.vexen.co.uk/religion/ethics.html. Accessed 3 Nov. 2017.
O’Brien, Barbara. “How Buddhism Approaches Morality.” ThoughtCo, https://www.thoughtco.com/buddhism-and-morality-449726. Accessed 3 Nov. 2017.
The Impact of Religion on Morality. 24 Oct. 2010, http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20101024/focus/focus9.html.
Ume Nasreen. 3 Professional Ethics and Morality Islamic Ethical Paradigm. https://www.slideshare.net/aroobarasul/3-professional-ethics-and-morality-islamic-ethical-paradigm.
