Many ethical values and mores are founded on religious beliefs and practice. The divine path (see the Great Eagle) points the way and guides followers' behaviour. In Judeo-Christian traditions for instance, five or six of the ten commandments brought down by Moses from Mount Sinai are ethical rules - the remainder mainly concern loyalty to the deity, ritual and observance of holy days. Similarly, the Dhammapada (a third century BC collection of moral aphorisms) is representative of Buddha's teachings.
Even though Greek ideas were still referenced, moral debate became more theological and doctrinal. European medieval philosophers were mostly "of the Church". Thomas Aquinas (13th century) took an Aristotlean line in suggesting that
man's purpose/goal is to achieve personal fulfilment and happiness via moderation and virtue. |
However from a religious view, people are not virtuous just because of secular law but achieve it through "God's goodness". Law merely mediates public order and defines the boundaries for community life. It functions to maintain the common good only in so far as it reflects natural (God-given) law not just state dictate. If secular law contradicts "natural, God-given law" - then secular law is unacceptable - and civil disobedience may be justified.
Read this small collection of rules from various religious standpoints. Discuss how they guide your behaviour on an everyday basis. Can you identify which religion each originates from?