Download Chapter Eight * Religion and Morality

Chapter Eight – Religion and Morality
Learning Objectives for Chapter Eight
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Define practical justification and ethics.
List the general considerations central to questions of practical justification.
Distinguish the deontological and teleological approaches to justification.
Explain the questions of practical justification highlights in the three cases presented.
Evaluate the patterns common in questions of religion and morality
SUMMARY: Chapter Eight analyzes common questions relating to religion and morality. In
particular, students are introduced to the idea of practical justification and given examples of its
role in world religions. The chapter breaks down examples and also gives students common
patterns to look for when considering religion and morality.
Defining the Issues
What is involved in questions of religion and morality? Does religion create a foundation for
morality? How is morality defined?
Religion, Morality, and Justification
Questions of religion, morality, and justification rest on practical justification, or reasons
for action. It is a part of the general study of ethics, or the inquiry into the nature of good.
Justification: General Considerations
In considering justification:
 Does religion play a role in justifying particular judgments?
 Is it possible to distinguish:
o A deontological approach to justification – an appeal to duty
o A teleological approach to justification – an appeal to consequences
 Do deontological and teleological approaches take on different forms in religion?
 Can they be further refined in terms of the place of principles, rules, or other action?
Practical Justification: Three Cases
Three cases of practical justification to consider:
 Hinduism – the caste system
 Islam – rules of war
 Christianity – purpose of prayer
Hinduism: The Caste System
A caste is a way of institutionalizing certain forms of labor necessary to social life. The
Hindu idea of renunciation, as articulated in the Vedas, looks outside the caste system to
otherworldly goals.
But can society survive when religious ideals are at odds with the requirements for ordinary
morality?
Islam: The Justification and Limitation of War
While most religions condone the use of force in discreet situations, Islam discusses the
religious and moral dimensions of war from its origins. As long as there is a just cause, war
may be necessary. War and conversion intertwined in some instances, as Islam expanded in
places by force.
Some scholars believe that it is possible to justify war to expand the influence of Islam, while
others disagree.
Christianity: Why Pray?
Is prayer obligatory? Are some prayers better than others? There are prayers of petition – or
requests for God’s help and guidance. But if God is all-knowing and his will is inevitable,
then why pray?
Some scholars argue that prayer is demanded in the Bible. Others assert that prayer is
obligatory as an act of natural justice.
Religion and Morality: Patterns
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religion and morality in tension
religion complementing and filling out religion
religion animating the moral life