The three religions that include Islam, Christianity, and Judaism consider murder immoral owing to the belief that it is not allowed. It is important to note that murder refer to the death of an individual indirectly o directly. Moreover, God states out clearly the set of the right actions and the wrong ones. For this reason, God determines what is moral and immoral in the society. On the other hand, the actions by individuals are approved by God as they ae right and disapproved if they are wrong (Graham and Jonathan 142). Causing the death of a person is immoral as it translates destroying God’s creation and thereby undermining hi goodness. Therefore, various societies have identified certain actions as moral and others as immoral. For example, some societies vie polygamy as immoral while others consider it as moral. For this reason, the link between God, religion, and morality considers committing murder as immoral.
Morality does not have a specific definition owing to the fact that different societies have their unique norms and customs. It is important to note that there are some similarities when it comes to some issues and set of values (Nucci and Elliot 1483). For this reason, it becomes evident that committing murder is immoral. On the other hand, societies emphasize morality from the point one is young to their elderly age. Whereas the law spells out its limits regarding to issues such as paying taxes, there are times when committing murder is allowable and one of the instances is during war and when defending oneself.
There are individuals who do not have faith that God exists but maintain high moral standards. In particular, the moral codes of conduct are deeply entrenched in the humanity of man. Besides, not believing that God exists does not prevent one from distinguishing right and wrong actions (Graham and Jonathan 146). For this reason, the fact that people have conscience means that they can be moral whether they are religious or not. On the other hand, there is a strong correlation between morality and religion. It is important to note that religion serves as an encouragement that makes individuals to behave morally. The individuals that have faith in the existence of God will try and please Him and therefore align their actions with the ten commandments. Further, religion offers moral education to the believers since it cultivates goodness in them. Hence, religious people will ensure the do what is deemed as right depending on God’s teachings.
Religion does not contribute to the immorality in the society but rather the individuals who interpret it in the wrong way do perpetuate their dirty linen in the society. It is important to note that religions come in handy when offering lessons on morals and ethics but does not necessarily ensure people follow the social ethics and morals. For this reason, exhibiting good morals is possible without an individual necessarily being religious. The primary reason is because there are rewards and consequences that come along with behaving morally or immorally (Nucci and Elliot 1486). On the other hand, religion is important in revealing the truth about certain actions and how they related with God’s creation. Arguments brought forth by philosophers reveal that without God, some of the moral actions would be considered social norms that may or may not be universal among different cultures or individuals.
Can people who practice different religions agree about how to resolve a moral disagreement?
Individuals who have faith in different religions can come up with a way of solving a moral disagreement. The primary reason is because the society has its norms and customs founded on values that are independent of religion (Nucci and Elliot 1489). It is important to note that there are disagreements can arise regarding different moral issues that may include abortion, killings, homosexuality among others. Therefore, morality tends to be relative since it is evident that followers of a specific religion will judge their counterparts that have faith in a different one. For this reason, disagreements surrounding moral issues arise owing to the variations in the moral codes of different religions.
Recent decline in the moral standing of the society has seen the different religions that include Islam, Judaism, and Christianity strongly condemn some actions (Nucci and Elliot 1489). For this reason, it becomes evident that despite the variation in beliefs, individuals that have faith in different religions can solve a moral disagreement. Moreover, the society comprises of people who believe in different religions but peacefully coexist together. It is important to note that there are instances where Christians living in China have consulted their Buddhist counterparts regarding certain moral issues.
In different societies, members of one religion hold dialogue with other religions when addressing moral issues. In particular, the individuals lay emphasis on the rules that individuals need to abide by to avoid negative consequences. For this reason, the outcomes of moral disagreements heavily rely on the dialogue conducted between members of different religions. Moreover, there is the need for open-mindedness and tolerance if members of different religions are to successfully solve a moral disagreement. It is important to note that morality stems from a myriad of concepts which the followers of different religions hold varying perceptions about them. Philosophers such as Kant considered reasoning to be vital when it comes to making a decision on a moral standing. However, there have been instances of incompatibility when followers of different religions try to offer solutions to a moral disagreement.
According to Kant, human consciousness when it comes to reasoning and freedom contributes to the moral principles that rational people identify with when making decisions. In particular, individuals have the ability to know actions that are wrong or right immediately (Kant 17). For this reason, the perceptions people hold determines the ability of followers of different religions coming to a consensus regarding a specific moral issue. On the other hand, the actions of virtuous individuals significantly contribute to determining what is deemed as right or wrong. Hence, if members of different religions hold similar perceptions regarding a moral issue, then there is a possibility that they will offer a solution to the matter.
In conclusion, if God exists, committing murder is immoral. However, there are instances when murder is regarded moral. On the other hand, despite there being a close relationship between morality and religion, individuals can maintain high moral standards without necessarily having to be religious. For this reason, followers of different religions can offer a solution to a moral disagreement.
Works Cited
Graham, Jesse, and Jonathan Haidt. "Beyond beliefs: Religions bind individuals into moral communities." Personality and Social Psychology Review 14.1 (2010): 140-150.
Kant, Immanuel. Grounding for the metaphysics of morals: With on a supposed right to lie because of philanthropic concerns. Hackett Publishing, 1993.
Nucci, Larry, and Elliot Turiel. "God's word, religious rules, and their relation to Christian and Jewish children's concepts of morality." Child Development 64.5 (1993): 1475-1491.
