The Influence Of Religion On Morality

The Need for Religion on Morality

Morality, commonly defined as, “a system of rules, psychological states, and modes of character development which performs the function of enabling mutually beneficial social cooperation” (Luco 1). Morals arise in many ways. Some morals come through family and childhood upbringing while other morals are provided by the church. Some say that religion is inessential for morality. On the contrary, others provide that religion provides a foundation for moral growth. Family upbringing is also a factor to consider in the realm of morals by questioning if it takes the place or provides superior morals than that of what religion does. When discussing morality, people must also consider if religion and morality are separable. The discussion on

Some might argue that morality is inessential for the growth of an individual's morality, but when one considers religion as a guide to morality, the argument for the importance of religion in morality becomes more clear. To represent this statement, Broom argued, “religions are essentially structures underpinning morality” (Broom “The Evolution”). Along those same lines Reagan provides that “And as morality's foundation is religion ...We need religion as a guide; we need it because we are imperfect” (Reagan 10). Both of these arguments provide that religion is the foundation of morality. Religion is a