Instances of confusion between religious beliefs and ethical principles are numerous. Ethics and morals are often used interchangeably. Nonetheless, instances have occurred where there is a necessity to differentiate between the two phenomena. As a result, it is necessary to mark clear demarcations for the operation of ethical principles aside from religious thought. This paper considers the different issues which present matters which have both ethical and religious connotations and influences for the purpose of establishing the clear difference between ethics and religious beliefs.
Euthanasia can be described as mercy killing. It is in fact the ending of one’s life due to the nature and quality of life which a person is living. Different reasons have been found to justify the phenomenon of euthanasia including the quality of life, economic reasoning for the family, and the health condition of the patient among many others. In the question of euthanasia, it is normal that a person shall consider the question in a religious perspective, rather than an ethical question. Therefore, it is quite normal for the religious beliefs of the person to influence the person regarding the issue as opposed to an objective view to the situation (Rice, 1999). For example, it is possible to find that a person will give an ethical argument regarding the issue of euthanasia quoting a religious book to support their argument. In essence, they will argue that the Bible/Quran does not allow for suicide (Habermas, 2006). As a result, it is easy for such a person to miss the ethical view that is being proposed regarding the cruelty the person is undergoing and the bid to relieve the suffering of the individual. Therefore, an ethical view proposes the aspect of cruelty, thereby enabling the ease of performing the procedure.
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The ability to view the situation as one of ethical importance as opposed to one of religious importance allows the person considering the situation in a logically sound manner (Vincent, 1999). While religious beliefs consider the situation from an entirely religious perspective, based on religious beliefs and practices, ethical principles make consideration for the common good of all parties involved (Shafranke & Maloney, 1990). For example, most religious mindsets normally contest the morality of euthanasia based on religious beliefs on murder and suicide. Nevertheless, ethical strive to consider the issue objectively, including effects to the patient and those close to the patient (Shafranke & Maloney, 1990). In essence, the patient is exposed to endless hopeless suffering without the hope of an end, unless the natural process of life occurs. Moreover, the family and friends of the patient have to undergo the constant pressure financially and emotionally regarding the condition of the patient. Notwithstanding, the religious perspective will uphold the right to life at the expense of the patient themselves and their family.
Regarding the hierarchy, it is important to note that ethical practice takes priority over religious beliefs in the course of conflict between the two. This is because ethical principles are universal, while religious beliefs may not apply uniformly across the board (Weaver & Agle, 2002). In fact, religious beliefs are considered as controversial in certain instances. This is because in addition to views conflicting with ethical principles, religious beliefs are also at odds with each other on certain issues, including euthanasia. The standard of reason therefore lies in the application of ethical principle as opposed to religious beliefs.
In conclusion then, ethical principles are noticed due to the fact that they are universally applicable whereas religious beliefs are applied sparingly. Moreover, the application of religious beliefs will, more often than not, limit the application of ethical principle in a dilemma situation. This paper has shown the difference between the application of religious beliefs and ethical principles while deciding issues of moral contention. Religious beliefs may expound morality for a section of the population, but ethical principles applies universally applicable standards to demystify moral and ethical challenges in day-to-day living. The example of euthanasia used above exemplifies differences between ethical and religious conception of the subject.
References
Habermas, J. (2006). Religion in the Public Sphere. European Journal of Philosophy, 14 (1) , 1-25. Retrieved from the Wiley Online Library.
Rice, G. (1999). Islamic ethics and implications for business. Journal of Business Ethics, 18 (4) , 345-358. Retrieved from the Springer Online Library.
Shafranke, E., & Maloney, N. (1990). Clinical psychologists' religious and spiritual orientations and their practice of psychotherapy. Psychotherapy: theory, research and practice, training, 27 (1) , 72-78. Retrieved from American Psychological Association PsychNet.
Vincent, J. (1999). Foregoing life support in western European intensive care units: te results of an ethical questionnaire. Critical Care Medicine, 27 (8) , 1626-1633. Retrieved from Wolters Kluwer Library.
Weaver, G., & Agle, B. (2002). Religiosity and ethical behavior in organizations: a symbolic interactionist perspective. Academic Management Review, 27 (1) , 77-97. Retrieved from the Academy of Management Online Library.
