Scribd
Upload
3K views

The Role of Religion in Ethics

The document discusses the role of religion in ethics. It explains that both ethics and religion are concerned with moral questions, though ethics is based on reason while religion draws from revelation. Religion plays a significant role in shaping ethical beliefs and practices by providing moral guidance, values, accountability, and frameworks for addressing dilemmas. However, ethics can also come from secular philosophies.

Uploaded by

tine84394
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
3K views

The Role of Religion in Ethics

The document discusses the role of religion in ethics. It explains that both ethics and religion are concerned with moral questions, though ethics is based on reason while religion draws from revelation. Religion plays a significant role in shaping ethical beliefs and practices by providing moral guidance, values, accountability, and frameworks for addressing dilemmas. However, ethics can also come from secular philosophies.

Uploaded by

tine84394
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Lesson 3: Religious Response: The Role of Religion in Ethics

I. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Differentiate ethics from Religion
Explain the role of Religion in Ethics
II. MATERIALS
Laptop
Projector

III. INTRODUCTION
Several articles uploaded on the Internet state that ethics or morality is possible without
God. Even if one does not believe in God, he can still be ethical. As to how true these statements are,
this is what you should be able to see at the end of this lesson.

IV. TOPICS AND KEY CONCEPT


Ethics is concerned with what is good and moral based on reason. This is what religion is
also concerned about, what is moral based on God’s revelation. So religion is not contrary to ethics.
Religion is in support of Ethics.
Ethics and Religion
Both ethics and religion are concerned with the most fundamental questions human
existence. Religion draws answers to what is moral and ethical from revelation as written in
Scriptures and as “lived by their prophets and Jesus Christ (for Christian).
Ethics gets its answers to what is moral and ethical from reason and experience. It doesn’t
mean that theists don’t use reason when they determine what is right and In fact, even those from
whom morality is religiously based may want to examine their views based on reason. They may want
to examine various interpretations of their religious principles for internal consistency or coherence.”
(MacKinnon,B., et al, 2015).
Religion plays a significant role in shaping and influencing ethical beliefs and practices for
many individuals and communities around the world. It provides a moral framework, guiding
principles, and ethical guidelines that help believers navigate their actions and decisions in accordance
with their religious teachings.
1. Moral Guidance: Religion often provides a set of moral principles and commandments that
believers are expected to follow. These principles, derived from religious texts and teachings, serve as
a guide for ethical behavior and provide a sense of right and wrong.
2. Moral Values and Virtues: Religion promotes the cultivation of moral values and virtues such as
compassion, honesty, justice, forgiveness, and humility. These values are seen as essential for leading
a virtuous and ethical life.
3. Accountability and Judgment: Many religious traditions emphasize the concept of divine judgment
or an afterlife where individuals are held accountable for their actions. Believers may adhere to ethical
principles out of a sense of responsibility and the belief that their actions have consequences beyond
this life.
4. Community and Social Ethics: Religion often fosters a sense of community and encourages
believers to engage in acts of charity, service, and social justice. Religious teachings often emphasize
the importance of caring for the marginalized, promoting equality, and working towards the
betterment of society.
5. Ethical Dilemmas and Guidance: Religion provides a framework for addressing ethical dilemmas
and making difficult decisions. Believers may turn to religious leaders, sacred texts, or religious
teachings for guidance when faced with moral challenges.
It is important to note that the role of religion in ethics varies across different religious
traditions and individual interpretations. While religion can provide a strong ethical foundation for
individuals, it is not the sole source of ethical values and principles. Ethical frameworks can also be
derived from secular philosophies, cultural norms, and personal beliefs.
Sources: Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, BBC Religion, ReligionFacts

You might also like