The concept of using religion as the source of ethical ideas immediately runs into problems. First, how are we supposed to know what God wants us to do? All we have to go on is the preachings of Holy men and the teachings of scripture, and they are open to interpretation and dispute, sometimes even WITHIN a religion. Besides, the religions themselves can't agree on what is moral or ethical.
Except for a few common sense items, like the Golden Rule, and a few of the 10 Commandments, that all religions already agree on (sort of)religion can tell us very little about proper behavior. Unless, of course, you believe your religion is right and all the others are wrong, and I submit that mentality is the absolute worst to put in charge of ethics and morality.
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re: My problem with religion being the basis for ethics
The whole thread (36 posts)
- Prison reform...
- My problem with religion being the basis for ethics
- re: My problem with religion being the basis for ethics
- History shows religion is the world's worst source of "ethics".
- As opposed to what?
- Pre-selected populations with prior behavior requirements are bound to do better. Faith has nothing to do with it.
- Don't worry boys...
- Ah, Dios mio! Sure, you can reduce crime by brainwashing criminals
- Cruel and unusual punishment.
- My problem with religion being the basis for ethics