16.1 Religious Ethics and Moral Teachings

Religious ethics shape moral behavior through divine commands, natural law, and virtue. These frameworks provide guidelines for ethical living, emphasizing character development and universal principles like the Golden Rule and karma.

Religious codes like the Ten Commandments and Buddhist Eight-fold Path offer specific moral guidelines. These teachings, along with concepts like dharma and ahimsa, form the foundation of ethical conduct in various faith traditions.

Ethical Frameworks

Divine Command Theory and Natural Law

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• Divine Command Theory asserts that what is moral is determined by what God commands
• Assumes that moral truths are dependent on God's will and that God's commands are inherently good and just
• Natural Law Theory argues that morality is derived from the nature of the universe and human beings
• Contends that moral principles are inherent in the natural order and can be discovered through reason (Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas)

Virtue Ethics

• Virtue Ethics emphasizes the development of moral character rather than adherence to rules or consequences
• Focuses on cultivating virtues such as wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance
• Argues that by embodying these virtues, individuals will naturally act in an ethical manner
• Key proponents include Aristotle, who believed that virtues are developed through habit and practice

Universal Principles

Golden Rule and Karma

• The Golden Rule, found in various forms across religions, states that one should treat others as one wishes to be treated oneself
• Promotes empathy, compassion, and reciprocity in human interactions
• Karma, a central concept in Eastern religions (Hinduism, Buddhism), is the idea that one's actions have consequences that shape future experiences
• Encourages individuals to engage in positive actions to generate favorable outcomes and avoid negative actions that lead to suffering

Dharma and Ahimsa

• Dharma, in Hinduism, refers to the moral order of the universe and the duties and obligations of individuals within it
• Encompasses religious, social, and ethical responsibilities based on one's role and station in life
• Ahimsa, a principle in Hinduism and Buddhism, is the practice of non-violence and respect for all living beings
• Encourages compassion, respect for life, and the avoidance of causing harm to others (Mahatma Gandhi)

Religious Codes

Ten Commandments and Eight-fold Path

• The Ten Commandments, found in the Hebrew Bible, are a set of moral and religious imperatives that form the foundation of Jewish and Christian ethics
• Include prohibitions against murder, theft, adultery, and false witness, as well as injunctions to honor one's parents and keep the Sabbath
• The Eight-fold Path, a central teaching in Buddhism, outlines a path to liberation from suffering and the attainment of enlightenment
• Consists of right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration

Five Precepts

• The Five Precepts are a set of moral guidelines in Buddhism that lay followers are encouraged to follow
• Include abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, and intoxicants
• Serve as a foundation for ethical conduct and personal discipline
• Adherence to the precepts is seen as a means of cultivating virtue, reducing suffering, and progressing on the path to enlightenment