Is religion the best way so far to acquire and maintain moral focus?

Answer 1

It is a good way but not the only way. Religion provides an explicit moral framework from which people can work. The best way is to grow up within a community with a strong moral focus. In this way, moral values are absorbed rather than taught. Religious communities can provide this as do smaller communities.

Answer 2

The problem is that we all need a moral authority over us and that means God.

What is "common sense" as one answer says? Is it not just some set of feelings? What moral authority do we owe to feelings? None that I know of. We can and do manipulate our feelings all the time.

Without God, we are our own judge. We make the rules then judge how well we follow our rules. Only a fool could lose that game. That is why even criminals plotting their next crime think themselves to be basically good.

Answer 3

I suppose you just need a focus where you can place all your insecurities and ideas you can't explain!
Something or rather someone you can trust.
But theres still more to religion!
its something unworldly something immortal which is thought to be innocent and pure i guess thats why maintain moral focus.
So... yeah it is.
=)

Answer 4

No, you should be able to have morals without religion. If you need a hand book to how to act appropriately in life then thats quite sad.

Answer 5

I think it is. Most of the morals which people quote have a religious basis. It is only when we stray away from that that that many but in fairness not all ethical dilemmas appear

Answer 6

No!
It annoys me intensely that religious types think that they have the monopoly on morals and that the rest of us are somehow lesser because we do not believe this nonsense.

Answer 7

No. Use of common sense is the best way to maintain it.