The document discusses the relationship between religion and morality. For much of Western civilization, morality has been closely associated with religion, with immoral acts seen as disobeying God. However, some systems like Confucianism and non-theistic Buddhism are secular approaches. There are also theories that morality is independent of religion and derives from rational principles. While religion may enhance the moral life by providing purpose and justice, religions have also historically caused harm, and doubt remains about the existence of God.

1. Chapter Ten: Religion and Ethics Religion has profoundly affected human conscious life and moral behavior for over two thousand years. For Western Civilization, Morality has been identified with adherence to religion.

2. For Western Civilization: To act immorally is essentially to disobey God. Religion has dominated the moral landscape to appear to be indistinguishable from morality. Most people identify morality with religion.

3. Exceptions: Confucianism: Essentially a secular system of ethics Non-theist Buddhism: Also, a secular system of ethics. Greek Philosophers: Contemplated morality independently of religion

4. Divine Command Theory Ethical principles are simply the commands of God. They derive their validity from God commanding them. Without God there would be no universally valid morality.

5. Autonomy Thesis Opposed to the Divine Command Theory Denies the thesis of the Divine Command Theory Claims that morality does not originate with God Rightness and Wrongness are not dependent on God’s Will There are independent ways to act

6. Religious and Secular Ethics Kant claimed that both humans and God must obey the same rational principles Being moral is our duty to God We ought to be moral, which means we can be moral and therefore, we are able to reach moral perfection, but being imperfect beings, it will not occur in this lifetime.

7. Religion and Secular Ethics Some claim that morality based in religion is an inferior brand of morality and prevents true moral development. Some say that morality based in religion is not deeply rooted and is superficial. Some say that morality based in religion requires that a person give up his or her rational autonomy.

8. Does Religion Enhance Moral Life? If there is a God, good will win out over evil. If God exists, then cosmic justice reigns in the universe. If Theism is true, moral reasons always override nonmoral reasons.

9. Does Religion Enhance Moral Life? If there is a God who created us in his image, all persons are of equal worth. If God exists, we have a compelling solution to the posterity problem. However, Religions have done harm to humanity throughout history and doubt still exists about theories of God.