by Mary Sirdoreus

Created on: December 26, 2006   Last Updated: May 11, 2007

DOES A LACK OF A RELIGIOUS FOUNDATION DIMINISH ETHICS?

Working with troubled teenagers that live in a residential facility has shed some light on this controversial subject. The focus of the facility where I am a staff is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Many of the young people that have come to us have little, if any, religious training or background. Often their morals and values are frequently displayed in many of their behaviors. We have observed little regard one for another, and various forms of stealing and deception which seems to rule the choices that they make in their interaction with others.

Those who have had some form of early religious training are more easily reached and drawn to ethical standards if their training and environment were a positive experience prior to their residence at our facility. However, this is not always the case as the results may vary. Many of their choices are based on their experiences or examples demonstrated by parental influences. When a child is held at gunpoint and forced to eat dog feces, his perception of things are likely to be thwarted. For society to think that such a case is isolated is a fallacy. The numbers are higher than one would think.

In some, it is not uncommon to see fighting, theft, self-harming (such as cutting on oneself), biting, and group disruption in order to achieve or acquire what they desire and often with the attitude of "whatever it takes." Dislike for another can be so overwhelming that they are driven to take the other's toothbrush and clean the toilet bowl, then replace it in its container, and of course, fail to mention it until it has been used by its victim. Such acts are frequently done to make a point while disregarding the possible danger to the other person.

While the behaviors mentioned are not anything that you or I would do, the person displaying the act often does not view it as having done something wrong. They have been exposed to worse. Without some serious changes in their concepts of right and wrong that may be introduced and taught through dedicated religious teaching, they may become adults with similar behavior.

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