Can Moral Values exist without religion?

Here are some of my views on the Theme “Can Moral Values exist without religion?”

There are two aspects in the above Theme

Can Moral Values exist only with Religion?
If Not what is the Possibility?


Lets have a look at the Webster dictionary. It defines "moral" as follows: "Moral is concerned with the principles of right and wrong in relation to human action and character." Where does "right and wrong" come from? Do we each have our own standard of "right and wrong?" If so, what happens when you and I disagree? Who decides what the standard is? Growing numbers of people see morality as relative and subjective with little regard to absolute standards as outlined by God.

To Start with, let me propose my views on why there has been a long cherished belief that Religion formed the basis of Morality.
During the early formative years of childhood, the concept of Religion and God holds the limelight among many of them. It is the faith in the religion and God that acts as a Binding force. The Parents drive the concept of Morality by keeping God as the Supreme reference and Attribute the Moral Qualities to that of God. At every walk of their life they portray that the Divine Power would guide them to reach totality.

However as the Child Begins to grow out of the shell, the perception, Belief and conception vary due to multiple factors. This could infact mean that those children who were brought up by the binding force of God and Religion might turn hostile to moral values.
Being Adults, the Motives change with Difference in Life Style, Economics and Environment.

So Religion can never be claimed the only factor with which moral values exist. A recent case study showed that 97 % of the responses looked similar between religious extremists and atheists when it came to moral judgment.

How has Religion paved the way to develop individuals with keen Moral Values?

The Power of Belief and indomitable faith have been instrumental in developing an attitude/conditioned habit among a person to be fully satisfied when he does things morally. The Epics Like Ramayana and Mahabharata have shaped communities to chart down what is right?/What is wrong?

Holy Books like Bible, Quaran or Zend Avesta have laid down the ground rules and prophecy to define a man`s conduct and how conducting himself morally could ensure a safe place on heaven. Though we are not here to critically analyze the existence of God/Heaven, we need to understand the emphasis on giving the desired outcome to an aspirant irrespective of the class he belongs to by following the code of conduct dictated in those books.

How can Moral Values exhibit without religion?

Rationalization is a key phenomenon for Moral values to be exhibited. The Art of Reasoning and constant inquisitiveness to question things forms a basis of developing a framework which is rock solid and can help in identifying the right vs wrong. On this regard the Schools and Colleges need to promote adequate opportunity and forum to develop resources to encourage open views and rationalization. In my personal experience , I have found very few people belonging to this class who have not had the taste of Spirituality.


What is the Point when we say, moral values cease to exist?

Irrespective of being brought up in a spiritual atmosphere or rationalized environment, the moral values have certain boundary limits. Every one follows truth, honesty, and ethical values until it affects him/her. To go beyond his comfort and adopt moral values even though he might get affected goes beyond the stated class and exhibits a passion, commitment and relentless nature of his /her character. Such people are very rare and usually stand apart.

Morality also cannot find a place under some conditions like Poverty, Helplessness, unfulfilled basic necessities, jealousy, ego and revenge to settle scores among fraternity.

To Sustain Morality?

The Youth today asks a Million Dollar Question when it comes to Morality… By following Moral Values WIFM (What is in for me)
They are concerned about the tangible benefits that come out of following Morality. In this world where money holds the key, moral values have started losing significance. People who follow up with the ethical standards and code of conduct do not get the right treatment and are often considered crass or stupe.

After analyzing various options and perspectives, I have drilled down to a Million Dollar Question

Irrespective of Moral Values existing with or without religion, My concern is how do we ensure that Moral Values Sustain in the years to Come?


My Suggestion are as Follows

Raising Awareness among the Youth to Inculcate Moral Values as an Integral Part of the Life.
Public Promoting and Awarding Moral Deeds and Actions done in all walks of life
Making Morality an inherent habit of the Human System irrespective of Creed/Caste and Community
Creating Equality which invariably reduces the Jealousy, hatred and Unwanted Behavior.
The Role of parents and Educational Institutes taking personal ownership and to develop Citizens with Moral Values producing meaningful social responsible citizens.
A paradigm shift that Moral Values and Ethical Standards dictate the Destiny of Success



To Summarize,

To Begin with Religion can form a Substantial Base and Binding Force to hold on to Moral Values. But to Sustain and Flourish, It goes beyond religion to a state of Rationalization whereby we have a definite reason for all our doings.
The Moral Values and their sustenance will require a blend of both religion and Rationalization along with the above mentioned suggestions to make it a ground reality..

Looking forward to your Comments and Feedback
Cheers
gps