Example 8.0.3.2.1: Religious Values

Version 1.2 December 2016                          (Previous Version)

In Chapter 4, where we discuss the world’s major traditional religions, we learn of their similarities as much as of their differences. 

●  It is now generally accepted that all of the world’s major religions have a version of the “Golden Ruleâ€�: do unto others as you would have others do unto you. 

●  They all also have rules that advocate

o   telling the truth; not stealing;

o   respecting our elders or teachers;

o   limiting the circumstances in which it is OK to kill other people;

o   focussing on what really matters rather than on material possessions.

●  As well as these obvious similarities, the major substantial differences between religions are being diminished or minimised, at least by certain leaders of each religion. 

o   Liberals amongst Jews, Christians and Muslims are likely to take their sacred texts as allegories rather than the literal truth, to focus on an imminent, less personal god, rather than a supernaturally transcendent vengeful god, to support universal human rights and to allow for moral decisions to be human centred rather than god centred.

o   As the more mystical traditions in the major religions become better known by those from other faiths, the rituals, songs and poetry are seen to be more interchangeable than in the past.  A modern Christian can quote the Muslim Sufi poet Rumi with approval.

o   Liberal leaders from all major religions condemn racism and sexism, accept homosexuality as a valid life choice, and oppose unfair commercial exploitation.

●  Following the exposure of child abuse and sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, we are discovering systematic abuse amongst other Christian denominations, Jewish and Muslim communities, Buddhist monasteries and other non-religious organisations. 

o   These have forced religious leaders to (at least publicly) express convergent views on the rights of the child and the legitimacy, and indeed the de facto moral supremacy, of secular authorities such as the police and legal systems. 

o   The now publicly accepted position is that if child sexual abuse has occurred within a religious institution then it is appropriate for the police to be called and the matter to be dealt with by the state as the more independent arbiter of what is right and just.

●  While we see these trends and applaud them, we remain fully conscious of the destructive and divisive power of believers from the other end of the religious spectrum – the fanatics who are totally certain of their position and who oppose pluralism and tolerance, and at their worst advocate violence against women and the people they classify as non-believers.