The Connection Between Faith and Morality
Often, I find myself thinking of the deeply rooted ties between any faith (i.e. spirituality, religion) and a sense of morality. In Christianity, morality comes from God. In Hinduism, Dharma is an intrinsic quality. Philosophers could debate as to where morality comes from, if people are good or evil at birth, etc. Most faiths try and act as a kind of moral compass, offering distinct rules or attributes someone should live by; many having similar types of things someone should and shouldn't do to be a "good" person. I am fascinated by the invention of religion--- because, well, there was a time before it. Not to mention that there are so many faiths and variations of faiths, that there are some that can't coexist canonically. One of the oldest excuses for violence, hatred, or death is "You don't believe in my God(s)".
Morality is a social construct, it just happens to be one that is seen as significant for the survival of our species that we are constantly reinventing and editing it to accommodate our needs through the guise of faith. And sure, it has many downsides that have caused irreparable harm to civilizations, cultures, and peoples or various places... but what happens to the dying in a faithless world?
A few reference points:
Other Philosophers on the Subject
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