Religion and Morality California State University 宗教与道德加利福尼亚州立大学.pptVIP

Inter-relationships Religion and Morality Relationships Is it true that morality depends on religion , even that it cannot be understood in the context of religion? Ivan Karamoazov-”If God does not exist, everything is permissible.” (Moral nihilism) Relationships Major ethical theories have been developed independently.- Autonomy Thesis Morality does not originate with God. Rightness and wrongness are not based simply on God’s will. Essentially, there are reasons for acting one way or the other which may be known independently of God’s will. Relationships Are Religious Ethics essentially different from secular ethics? Kant argues that there is no difference- both God and humanity have to obey the same rational principles and reason is sufficient to guide us to these principles. What is good is good will- acting according to principles- Categorical Imperative. In fact, God and immorality are necessary postulates of ethics- ought implies can. Must be able to reach moral perfection- not possible in finite life. God provides universal justice. Religion is Irrelevant to Morality Bertrand Russell- humans are free to think, evaluate, create, and live committed to ideals. Life has the meaning we give it, and morality will be part of any meaningful life. James Rachels: In worshipping God believers relinquish their autonomy. One gives up their reason. Rachels and Nowell-Smith contend that religious morality is infantile because it is based on authority. Religious Morality Method of moral reasoning- “moral point of view.”- impartiality.- Golden Rule- consistency in our actions.- reciprocity. Emphasis on relationships- to others in terms of Love and respect- Love your Neighbors- what means? Religious Morality Set of beliefs affirming the reality of moral retribution.- recompense- why be moral?- Karma, Punishment Identifies ways to overcome “moral paralysis” and “despair about moral failure”- grace, atonement, assistance, Religion