Morals
7/8 - I put this under society instead of religion because too often there are people who don't base their morals on religion. Also, we as a whole race need to decide on morals w/o religious discrimination.
I think the biggest downfall of our society is the decline of morals. The reason this is so hazardous to humanity is because morals are the toughest thing to patch up, and they are most inner function of our mind that drives us to do the things we do.
I have had a hard time with the concept of atheism, not because of the logic of it, but because of the moral deficiency associated with it. But, when I thought for a while, the moral deficiency is everywhere. I heard recently that somewhere around 85% of people believe in some higher power. But, even in my own experience, most of those people that believe in a certain faith do not practice it. What's wrong with this picture? Also, I don't even think I need to go into all the problems with world today. Just turn on your TV and you'll see. Murder is such a common thing that most people don't even flinch at the thought of it anymore. It's not just the atheists that have the moral deficiency either, it's everyone. There is some much uncertainty about what's right and what's wrong, especially with the influence of science and technology.
We need to work together as a community in order to make any change. It is too difficult to hold morals alone, and especially to make a difference that way. We need to support each other. But, as a world, how can we educate morals? Maybe religion is a great way to promote morals, but I hypothesize that there may be a better way. We need a spiritual revolution.
If you are interested in this spiritual revolution, then continue reading. This is one of the few times that I combine theory and action, so it is some pretty deep stuff. First, make sure you go through the preface, especially the readme. Next, I want to point out why maybe religion is not the best choice to raise morals. Read about that in the which religion is right topic. Then, check out my theory of agnosticism.
ephraiml - When speaking philosophically morals and ethics are two VERY different things. A moral is typically defined as a statement that does not have justification backing it and must be followed for fear of punishment of some type. An ethic is something that has been developed through time and a person believes because there is a reason to believe it. Religion itself is inherently a moral stance; don't do these things or when you die you will be someplace that will not be nice for a long time.
I guess I haven't thought of the difference between morals and ethics, but I like your clarification. I propose that they (collectively) are the product of evolution.
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