Chapter 8
Religion : Its meaning and nature, religion and morality
1. 1. Give a very brief answer:
(a) Where does the word religion come from ?
Answer : The word " Religion" is derived from the word "Religare"
(b) What does the word Religare mean?
Answer : The word "Religare" means "to bind"
(c) What suffix is added to the verb 'dhr' to give rise to the word dharma in Sanskrit?
The word dharma is derived from the Sanskrit word 'dharma' by adding the suffix 'man' to the root ' dhr '
(d) What is religion?
Answer : Religion is the system that sustains human life within the larger unity of social life.
(e) In what other ways can we try to understand the nature of religion ?
Answer : We can try to understand the nature of religion in two ways. That is 一
(i) We can understand the nature of religion by defining it and
(ii) We can also try to understand the nature of religion by determining the relationship between religion and other human behavior or actions.
2. 2. Give a short answer:
(a) What are the characteristics of religion?
Answer : The characteristics of religion are as follows:
(i) In the case of religion, certain mental forces act as motivation 一 such as, the desire for survival, the desire for self-development and welfare and the desire for self-realization.
(ii) Religion believes in a higher transcendental being and the individual relies on this being for his well-being. The internal aspects of religion are the feelings, ideas, thoughts and feelings that arise in the mind of man about his relationship with God.
(iii) Religion also has an external aspect. It is a religious ritual. It is through this external aspect that religious feelings are expressed.
(iv) Religion also has a social and formal aspect.
(b) Write down Kant's definition of religion. What is the flaw in this definition?
According to Kant , "Religion is the acceptance of all our duties as divine commands"
The flaw in Kant's definition is that he emphasizes only desire among the three mental functions 一thought, feeling and desire. He believes that religion is only a matter of will. He defines religion in terms of moral will and considers religious consciousness to be identical with moral consciousness. The miraculous experience of fellowship with God, prayer, worship, adoration, devotion to God ― which are notable features of religious experience ᅡ do not exist in Kant's definition.
(c) Write down Hegel’s definition of religion and on what does his definition depend?
According to Hegel , " Religion is the name of the soul knowing itself as the Supreme Soul"
(d) What is the similarity between religion and morality?
Answer: - The similarities between religion and morality are mentioned below 一
Religion believes in the immortality of the soul. Morality also acknowledges the immortality of the soul. Moral ideals are one of the highest ideals of life, which cannot be achieved in a short and limited life. Through the efforts of birth and death, man gradually approaches this moral ideal. Thus, without recognizing the immortality of the soul, this moral endeavor of man has no meaning. Since both religion and ethics acknowledge the immortality of the soul. Therefore, there is a close relationship between the two.
(e) What is the difference between religion and morality?
Answer : The differences between religion and morality are mentioned below
(i) Religion is God-centered.
But, morality is human-centered.
(ii) Morality has nothing to do with miracles of being.
But, religion has to do with the miracle of being.
(iii) The scope of religion is wider than that of morality . Because ethics only deals with welfare.
However, religion also discusses truth and beauty beyond welfare.
(iv) Ethics is progress towards the infinite.
But, religion is progress from the infinite.
(v) Morality is predominantly free of emotion.
But, religion is an emotional experience.
(vi) Morality is not possible without the consciousness of freedom of will .
But, the realm of religion is the realm of inevitability.
(f) Discuss the doctrine that "policy originates from religion "一.
Answer: - Origin of principle: - Other sources of religion ᅠ
The idea that policy originates solely from religion is a complicated one, with strong arguments on both sides. Here is a breakdown of the approach and its counterpoint.
The case for religion as a source of policy 一
Divine Guidance: - Many religions believe in a higher power that sets moral codes and moral principles. These principles are seen as divinely ordained. which offers a foundation for right and wrong that transcends human invention.
Community and Solidarity: - Religious teaching often provides a principle for social order. Shared values such as honesty, kindness and respect for authority help maintain a stable and functioning community.
Historical Impact: - The world’s major religions have profoundly influenced societies throughout history. Their moral codes are woven into legal systems, social norms and cultural values.
The argument against religion as the sole source 一
Secular Ethics: - There is a well-developed ethical framework outside of religion. For example, philosophy explores concepts of justice, fairness, and the good life through logic and reason.
Universal Ethics : Many of the basic principles, such as not harming others or treating people with dignity, seem self-evident across cultures and religions. This suggests a possible basis for morality beyond religious teaching.
Evolution of Ethics: - Ethical codes within religions have evolved over time. This suggests that policies are not static pronouncements but are adapted to the social context.
(g) Discuss the doctrine that "morality is the source of religion"
Answer : The concept of the source of morality and religion is a minority view. The following is a breakdown of this concept 一
Divine Command Theory A more common belief is the Divine Command Theory. which says that morality comes from religion. Religions provide a set of rules set by a higher power and following those rules is considered moral.
The argument for morality as a source Those who believe that morality is a source argue that humans naturally have a sense of right and wrong, empathy, and a desire for social solidarity. Religion then arises from this underlying morality, creating narratives and explanations for it.
Similarities between religions This perspective highlights the fact that many religions share core moral values such as helping others and avoiding harm, despite differences in gods and practices. This can be seen as evidence of a universal human morality that religions then codify.
Proponents of secular moral frameworks also point to the existence of secular morality systems such as utilitarianism or social contract theory. These frameworks demonstrate that morality can exist and function independently of religion.
(h) Discuss the doctrine that "religion and ethics are separate"
Answer : Some people believe that religion and morality are separate. Called moral unnaturalism, this view argues that moral principles, such as justice and avoidance of harm, can be established through reason and empathy, not just through divine command. They point to the universality of certain moral concepts across cultures and the possibility of justification through reason. In contrast, throughout history, some religions have had conflicting moral codes. Moral unnaturalism suggests that morality can stand on its own, independent of religious belief.
(i) How are "religion and ethics interdependent" 一? discuss.
Answer : Religion and morality are often intertwined. Religions frequently provide a foundation for moral codes, establish moral principles, and offer a divine source of authority for right and wrong. This can motivate believers to act ethically and provide a sense of purpose behind their actions. Conversely, moral systems may influence religious beliefs, where evolved societal views of justice and fairness shape religious interpretations and doctrines. This creates a reaction in which religion and morality inform and reinforce each other.
