The relationship between religion and morality has remained a major point of focus for many authors. They discuss the subjects based on their relationship and effects on other establishments such as nations. For instance, Wood (2012) addresses the question of whether religion makes one moral. The discussion exposes the relationship between the two subjects and how they affect personality and institutions. On the other hand, Lind, (2019), presents the relationship between religion and morality by focusing on the discussion on whether America is a Christian nation or not. Both articles demonstrate that religion influences morality but does not guarantee one's morality.
Wood (2012) tackles the debate of religion and morality from a cognitive scientist's point of view. First, the article acknowledges that most religious publications are full of moral teachings. As such, the believers of the various religions promote teaching others moral values and encourage them to practice. Consequently, research has indicated that religious people exhibit more moral values as compared to non-religious individuals. A comparison of the rate of people who give charity in religious and non-religious people suggests that religious people give more charities. It further points out that religious people give even to secular organizations. It affirms the point that religion enhances morality. Wood (2012) also points out that the religious believe heavily influences morality. As such, even the non-religious societies’ cultures are entrenched in religious belief.
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Religion also has its negatives. As much as it has promoted moral values, it equally sparks conflict based on what the religious people do rather than what they believe. Wood, (2012), also points out that religion exposes the population to prejudice compared to the non-religious population. A case in point is the vulnerability of the religious groups to be prejudiced against minority groups and foreigners.
Lind (2019), while discus sing whether America is a Christian nation, brings out the relationship between morality and religion. The article explains that America is a Christian nation because all its leader subscribes to an otherwise privatized religion that makes them law-abiding. Furthermore, President George Washington’s farewell address in 1796 alluded that morality and religion are the primary support for patriotism.
On the contrary, the article also argues that it is demeaning to think that religion is important because it teaches citizens morality. It subjects the citizens to a political test on religion, yet there is no true and false religion. Despite the divergent view, USA presidents such as Washington and Dwight Eisenhower expressed the importance of religion to the citizens. They emphasized that it doesn’t matter one religion; however, it instrumental for any nation. The article concludes by affirming President's Obama statement that America is not post-Christian because it was never a Christian nation. However, The USA has most of it’s believes and practices based on Christianity. Also, its majority population are Christians, and have influenced the usage of terms such as "in God, we trust in their currency.”
From a personal point of view, religion heavily influences morality. First, most of the religious teachings are rich in moral lessons and requirements that its members are expected to subscribe to. As such, they exhibit morally acceptable behavior, such as being generous to both the religious and non-religious populations. The moral teachings encourage virtues such as sharing with the poor that is fundamental in the eradication of poverty. Furthermore, religious individual leads a more happy life, enhancing their good health. Secondly, as discussed by Wood (2012), even the non-religious groups formulate their beliefs based on religious values. It emphasizes the deep quest of humanity to fulfil the religious requirement that demands believers to maintain good morals. In summary, a population believing in a religion is paramount in formulating a viable structure for society. Its citizens are likely to lead a more moral and healthy life with less poverty.
References
Lind, M. (2019). America is not a Christian nation. Retrieved 8 November 2019, from https://historynewsnetwork.org/article/76644
Wood, C. (2012). Does religion make us moral?. Retrieved 8 November 2019, from https://www.patheos.com/blogs/scienceonreligion/2012/06/does-religion-make-us-moral/
