Source of Morality - Group 2

Religion Group: Edward Cannell, Gerard Belmans, Fillipo Ricci

Core Moral Teachings of the Abrahamic Religions:

• Main concept - "God is omniscient, omnipotent and all seeing."
• All Abrahamic religions are monotheistic (one god).
• All share some common morals, such as thou shalt not steal, adult, murder etc. - written in the 10 Commandments
• Punishment varies among religions, with death for adultery recommended in Islam, while christians take a slightly more lax view.
• Some of these morals are divine law, such as those in Judaism and early Christianity, whose morals were (allegedly) written down by God onto the tablets at mount Sinai.
• In Islam, the Qu'ran details the moral laws which govern the religion. Recommends the avoidance of materialism, as this detracts from God.
• Social activities, such as helping the weak an needy, along with caring for others, are all considered beneficial for society and good for the individual by these three religions. Helping others is a core value.
• Based on:
  • Chrsitianity - Bible & teachings of God/Jesus
  • Islam - Quran & teachings of Allah/Muhammad
  • Judaism - Tanakh

Core Moral Teachings of the Eastern Religions

• Hinduism is a polytheistic religion, with many different gods, although the main three (Shiva, Brahman and Vishnu) form one, similar to the Holy Trinity in Christianity
• The main moral teachings of this religion are: Respect all living beings (which is why many Hindus are vegetarian), Knowledge is power, and that there are many paths to God and enlightenment. This last teaching I consider interesting, as most other religions preach theirs as the one true faith. Selfless action to help others is very strongly recommended in their scriptures. All ties into Karma, which governs one's next life. Kindness and hospitality are held in high regard.
• Hindus believe in reincarnation.
• Hindu teachings are based on their Sutras, or scriptures.
• Buddhism has no true Gods, and is sometimes regarded more as a path one chooses through life rather than a religion.
• Followers read the scriptures of Buddha and attempt to follow the 8-fold path.
• The main goal of Buddhism is to reach enlightenment, which is the highest level of perception.
• Buddhist ethics also preach nonviolence to both humans and animals. Stealing, murder, intoxicants and adultery are all barriers to enlightenment.
• Buddha famously refused to answer whether or not there was a God, or if there was life after death; this was to reinforce the idea that what we do now will directly affect us in the future, and as such we must live our best lives both for ourselves and for others.
• Based on:
  • Hinduism - diverse traditions in Indian region
  • Buddhism - teachings of Siddartha Gautama

Life after death: The rewards of good living:

• All Abrahamic religions believe in the existence of heaven and hell
• Obedience to God and his moral teachings is required for entry in heaven; failing his teachings or not believing in him results in a one-way ticket to hell.
• Hindus believes in Karma and rebirth. depending on your actions in life, you will either be reborn as something higher, like a rich businessman, or lower, like a horse. People can even be reborn as plants, depending on their conduct in life.
• In general, for most religions, leading a moral life results in a good afterlife, or a good reincarnation, and vice-versa.

I believe that religion is indeed a very big component of all moral teachings. 86% of people still affiliate themselves with a religion, and as they are affiliated they most likely follow at least some of the teachings. Also, the Church in Europe represented a moral compass during the middle ages, even though it didn't always act like it. (Gerard)