Religion and Ethics – Are they Connected?

Religion and Ethics – Are they Connected?: Since antiquity, religion has been an important factor in our society. Religion and its impacts are evident in the structure of a family, a society and sometimes an entire county. There was a time when a particular religion or its preachers could create and implement laws in the society. But now it has reduced to a belief or just a prejudice for the generation.

Religion and ethics

These two are one of the basic systems that operate the lifestyle and affect certain decisions of an individual. Religion works on certain norms and ethics work on conscience. Let’s have a look at how connected they are.

How are they similar?

A religion is essentially the worship of a supernatural entity that is believed to be the controlling power of nature. The purpose of a particular religion is to attain the goals of salvation for its followers by the aid of obedience and worship of God. But with a deeper understanding, we can realize that the true motive of religion is to promote healthy and fair means of life. Religious norms were created to protect society from evil and show the path to a good and satisfying life. As far as the definition of ethics is concerned, it’s an organization or system that conducts and governs the moral behavior of a group or society. Just like religion, ethics prohibit unfair and evil ways of behavior and encourage positive mindset and a clean life. So it can definitely be said that religion and ethics are some way connected at the base. However, there are certain factors that have been and are continuing to contaminate religion, resulting in drastic circumstances.

How are they different?

In the history and even in recent times, religion has been one of the root causes of major conflicts. Two groups of people supporting different religion have been witnessed scorning, shaming and fighting each other time and time again and it always ended in either bloodshed or degradation. Religious leaders have exploited the beliefs of people for their own profit and thus have defied the religion they claim to protect. As a result, religious integrity, quality, and effectiveness have reduced considerably whereas ethics operate at much personal level. It is based on one’s opinion and willingness towards certain moral behavior. There is a lesser chance of conflict or difference in opinions as there is not an idealistic figure to be followed. In this way, the society is free of discrimination and superiority to a great extent. The chance of corruption and contamination is also reduced if the benefits of moral conduct are understood properly.

So, it can be rightly said that though the initial motive of the two was the same, with changing time and increasing corruption, they have diverged considerably.