by Marshall Chisholm

Created on: April 10, 2010

"Morality in Regards of Religion"

                Religion has become a far more restrictive way of living over the course of history. Is it because of science, because of open minded thinking, stagnant lifestyles, or a need for psychological adaptation? Morality for centuries has been closely associated with religion, and often times the defining line is blurred. What is morality in regards of religion? Religion since the recent century has been the defining guidelines for proper behavior in societies around the world. Take Christianity for example. A large portion of the United States laws and regulations are based off the founding fathers who were Christian. While we learn certain values that are universal, such as murder is wrong and so is stealing, we also gained several laws that are now put into question. The problem with religious morality is that is not universally accepted, nor does it treat everyone fairly. Modern society finds error with a single mindset, which is the method of religion.

                First, the primary issue with morality based on religion is that it does not evolve. Religion is a repeating pattern of the past, thus it is difficult for it to adapt to modern social standards. The ten commandments for instance were supposedly written over thousands of years ago, yet they have not been changed once or adapted because of their assumed absolute by being voiced by “god”. While these codes were once acceptable centuries upon centuries ago, how to they accurately cover all the diverse moral issues in modern society?

                When law and duty are one, united by religion, you never become fully aware; you are always a little less than an individual. There are reasons why the division of church and state are kept separate to the best of ability. Consider the modern dilemma of having a Muslim, a Christian, an atheist, and a Buddhist all living in the same community. The obvious problem are conflicting faiths, how does one coincide with the other? If they are extremists in their faiths, then they simply do not coincide. Their ideas on proper morality might suggest that they convert or not associate with someone of another religion, which of course goes against the laws on prejudice. Can they rightfully

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