what is the role of faith in morality?

Answer 1

Theoretically, it should not be difficult for a faithful person to be a moral person, while someone who lacks faith can be moral, but has fewer guidelines.

In reality, there is no reason for a person who lacks faith to be unable to lead a moral life. Additionally, there are numerous examples of people who claim to have strong faiths and beliefs who are commit immoral acts.

Answer 2

For religious people, I'd say that their particular faith affects how they view morality greatly. In general, I think religions (faith) attempt to refine a particular base of morality, but I don't think that morality arises from faith. A lot of atheists are just as moral as anyone else. This is because there is biological and evolutionary basis of morality. Note that early humans had morality way before today's organized religions were even thought of. Many scientific studies support the theory that morality ultimately has its roots in biology.

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Answer 3

Faith is the rationalization for bad behavior. Otherwise, it means nothing. Religions like to think they have a monopoly on morality, and yet despite that, we atheists & freethinkers lead very good lives. We aren't good out of a desire for heaven or fear of hell--that's a reward/punishment mentality for children. Rather, we are good simply for the sake of being good.

Morality exists completely independently of faith, but faith has co-opted and hijacked it. It's like water: you can get it out of the tap, or you could pay a lot more for stuff with a brand name on it. Religion has simply slapped their brand name onto morality and they want you to buy it. They tell you their brand is the best, or sometimes the only "true" morality, but the truth is you don't need faith to have good morality. Arguably, you might even be better off without the faith part.

Answer 4

Our beliefs and teachings are what give us our moral conscience. For a good portion of humanity those beliefs and teachings are from our respective religions. The definition of faith is, 'The assured expectation of things hoped for, though not yet beheld.' Good is not good unless we believe it. Bad is not bad unless we believe that. Our faith in things or rules or beings that we cannot necessarily see is how we line ourselves morally. If we have no faith in God, laws, right, wrong, good, evil then there is no need for a moral conscience. We all get to decide for ourselves and not everybody has the same mind frame about Lying, Stealing, Cheating not to mention Rape, Murder, Violence. Long story short there is a thin but necessary line between freedom of thought and freedom of action. At least thats what I think.

Answer 5

You are assuming that faith and morality automatically go together. I don't believe that is true. If you are a person of faith then your faith comes with certain "rules" (morality). But if that is the cause and affect, how do you explain that some people don't believe in any faith yet are moral people.
Of course, morality in it's nature is hard to define. If one lives in a predominately Christian society, they are usually taught to "love thy neighbor as thy self". If one lives in a predominately Muslim society, they are taught to destroy the infidel (that being anyone who does not believe in the Muslim faith). Two totally different views in the context of religion. Yet each "rule" of faith is moral to that group of people.
I realize this is a simple example. But, I wanted to point out the flaw in your theory.

Answer 6

By faith I assume you mean faith in a God or after-life.

I would think that someone who has a deep seated faith will strive to behave in a moral way because he/she feels that they will be judged in the after-life.
Their only assurance of not spending time in Hell or it's equivalent is to act in accordance with their moral guidelines as described by their faith.

Answer 7

I think, for some, it's what you're taught about faith that dictates some of your morality - however, damn near all the athiests I know are very "moral" people. And I know of lots of "religious" people who can't seem to follow their own moral codes....so, all in all, not a whole hell of a lot.

Answer 8

Faith in the perspective of a Judeo-Christian aspect, should raise moral standards. A person who claims to be a Christian is expected not to indulge in activities that are contrary to biblical teaching. For example, I shouldn't see a professing Christian staggering out of a tavern or engaged in gambling, to include the lottery; the lottery is not innocuous as it may seem. See Galatians 5: 16-26.

Answer 9

faith has little place in morality. If you look at the mainstream religion in the US, look at its history... you can clearly see this is true.. it is frocked with murder and mayhem... irregardless of Faith you may or not be "moral".. I know more people who are NOT members of the mainstream who have MUCH higher moral standards.. simply.. religion or no. you are either a good Shepard or a bad one.. choose your path wisely grasshopper.

Answer 10

A good Christian not only believes in God's teachings but also applies those teachings in his or her daily life. So, faith dictates a person's moral values.