Religious Codes of Ethics

Over the past few class periods we have discussed the negative effects that organized religions such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have on our world.  These include religious conflicts and the creation of religious extremists.  We have entertained the possibility that there would be less violent conflicts in our world without these religions.  Although I agree that religion can cause violent conflicts, I believe that if our world were absent of religion, we would live in a chaotic environment with a devastating lack of order.

            The major organized religions contain of a moral code or set of laws that are supposed to guide followers on how to live righteous lives.  These principles and laws are usually found in religious writings that date back thousands of years.  For example, the Ten Commandments describe ten rules which people must live by.  In Christianity, Jesus’ preaching’s said that people should not retaliate in a violent situation.  These laws have laid the foundation for a just society for thousands of years all over the world.  

I would argue that even though adherence to organized religions can result in conflicts, the sets of laws and principles that religions offer keep humans from living in a chaotic society. Humans are not born knowing that murder and stealing is wrong.  They learn these values from being brought up with a code of ethics.  The basis of this system of values is often religious teachings. Even if people don’t go to charge, many of the laws of civil government are also based on the principles found in religious teachings. The morals that keep modern society civilized are extremely influenced by religious teachings

The morals and values that religions teach are what keep humans from living in chaos.  Peoples’ moral compasses usually evolve from religious influences. Even though organized religions can lead to violent conflicts, religion is what keeps the human race civilized.