Introduction
While discussing the question concerning the interdependence between religion and morality, some basic points on the issue must be considered. First of all, it is necessary to point out that religion and morality cannot be regarded as synonyms and therefore, should be analyzed separately.
One is to keep in mind that morality does not depend upon religion; so, for this reason, one can conclude that rightness and wrongness are not based on religious studies. People choose their own way to act, and their decision does not depend upon the God’s will.
Religion and its relation to public morality
Keeping in mind a wide range of religious movements, one can probably notice that the viewpoints on religion are rather ambiguous.
For instance, some representatives of a new atheism are of the opinion that religion poisons everything. In our days, people’s faith can be regarded not only as a basis for human morality, but also as a great evil.
Thus, let’s remember “the evils perpetrated by the Spanish Inquisition and the Catholic leadership’s scandalous protection of clerical child abusers” (Gaillardetz, 2008). The case seems to prove the assumption that the modern religion is toxic to human society.
On the other hand, nobody will deny the fact that religion may shape people’s attitude to public morality. Taking into account certain religious commandments, one can notice many ties between correct moral behavior and a wide range of religious principles.
In other words, it is religiosity, which seems to be based on certain moral approaches, but not vice versa.
Religious principles vs. moral approaches
Still, the issue of human morality must not be regarded within religious perspectives, because it exists independently of religion. Morality is related to certain codes of conduct, which are set by societies.
Furthermore, it is necessary to understand that different societies accept the term in their own way; it depends upon a person’s mentality what moral principles can be followed or neglected.
There is a variety of moral approaches, and some of them take the priority over others. That is to say people have a right to choose how to live, behave, etc. and their freedom of choice does not depend upon the God’s will.
There is a strong need to differentiate between morality, religion, etiquette and law. Making distinctions between the issues can give people an opportunity to interpret morality in a proper way.
Generally, it should be noted that in most cases people consider religion as a basis for morality, because some of the rules of conduct required or prohibited by faith coincide with the codes of conduct established by societies.
On the other hand, “religions may prohibit or require more than is prohibited or required by guides to behavior that are explicitly labeled as moral guides, and may allow some behavior that is prohibited by morality” (Gert, 2011).
Conclusion
As far as morality can be regarded as rather contradictory phenomenon, one can probably agree with Darwin’s opinion that an objective standard of morality is absent (“Answering the New Atheism,” 2008).
For this reason, it becomes evident that there is no sense to discuss human morality within religious perspectives. The only appropriate way to combine the issues is to consider religion and religious morality.
In other words, one can state that while religion may sometimes be the cause of evil, without religion there is no basis for religious morality.
References
Answering the New Atheism. (2008). Stay catholic. Web.
Gaillardetz, R. (2008). Catholicism and the New Atheism. Americamagazine.org. Web.
Gert, B. (2011). The Definition of Morality. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Web.