Does Morality transcend religion?

Question

I believe it does.

Just because Stalin had a lack of morals during his religion free reign, does not mean all Russians did.

I think you have it wrong Kenny...Religion is based on morality, not the other way around, I'm just saying...

Answer 1

A difficult question to answer because morality refers to conduct of a person in real terms whereas Religion refers to ideology, Dogma or Doctrine.

As a Buddhist I'd like to answer this question from a Buddhist perpective if I may...bear with me and I'll keep my answer as brief as possible.

In short yes. Morality is positive correct conduct purposefully applied. Religion has positive correct conduct in its ideology but it is not necessarily understood to mean purposefully applied. Morality is often used as a guide rather than for purposeful application.

A buddhist applies moral principles purposefully to attain a specific goal for all beings, rather than following guidelines to satisfy dogma or to get a good report to get to Heaven.

I am not trying to denigrate people's Faiths when I refer to Dogma...forgive me if any offence has been taken....I only use this term to describe Religion in general as Dogmatic even Buddhism has Dogma, as following Dogma is often used by some for a personal entry ticket to Heaven rather than a method to be used to become a better person for other's benefit.

To be a moral person requires conscious effort whereas to be a religious person requires only to be able to read.

Peace to all in the season of joy....from a Buddhist

Answer 2

When we were cavemen, we had our own primitive morals but no religion. Then came religion by which time we had already formed a society on a successful set of morals which were all abided by.

Religion changed morals in the minds of many and that's how it happened.

Morals are independent of religion, religion just tries to provide objectivity to a given set.

Answer 3

Religion is a political idea to extort money and impose individual power over the followers. Morality points out the evil error.

Answer 4

Obviously. I would even dare to say religion is used as an excuse for a lack or morality, ex: Holy wars, the Inquisition, the Middle East, Nazis, etc. When one believes god is on their side, common morality does not apply.

Answer 5

Morality can be independent of religion. People without religion can have less selfish morality since they don't behave with the goal of personal reward.

Answer 6

Morality IS based on religion

even for those claim to be moral but not religious, they where taught or THOSE teachers where taught by someone who had a basis in religion

Without religion from the beginning, there would be no morals and all would be chaos

Answer 7

No. Religion is the source of morality. Morality is a code of conduct that flows from a belief in some higher authority (such as God) that has the power to require good conduct.

Without God, what you are left with is man's reason to dictate behavior. Codes of conduct based on reason are ethics, and man's reasoning and ethics can be flawed.

Answer 8

Any set of rules/laws that a person governs their lives by can be considered to be religion. By this deffinition, morality is not had without a type of religion.

Answer 9

Morality and religion have nothing to do with one another.

You can certainly have one without the other.

Answer 10

Not always. Religion can destroy morality. Just look at the behaviours of those who profess their religions the most.