Secular Ethics #2

Of course there was conjointly a very important social dimension to the present rejection. faith came to be considered conservative, tied to tradition, and closely related to previous regimes and every one their failings. The inheritance of this history, it seems, is that for over 200 years, several of the foremost powerful thinkers and reformers within the west have viewed faith, not as AN avenue to human liberation, however as AN obstacle to progress. Marxism, one among the foremost powerful laic ideologies of the 20 th century.

I feel, that within the west the concept of doctrine is thus usually understood as being antagonistic toward faith. doctrine and faith square measure usually seen as 2 opposing and reciprocally incompatible positions, and there's hefty suspicion and hostility between the followers of the 2 camps. whereas I cannot settle for the suggestion that faith is AN obstacle to human development, History lecturers the uncomfortable truth that spiritual establishments and adherents of each denomination are concerned in exploitation of others at some stage or another. faith has conjointly been used as pretext for conflict and oppression. Even Buddhism, with its ism of nonviolent resistance, cannot escape this charge entirely.

So once negative perspective toward faith, within the west or elsewhere, square measure actuated by a priority for justice, they need to be revered. In fact, one may argue that people who indicate the hypocrisy of non secular those that violate the moral principles they proclaim, and World Health Organization rise against injustices perpetrated by spiritual figures and establishments, are literally strengthening and benefiting the traditions themselves. However, once assessing such criticisms, it's vital to differentiate between criticisms directed at faith it and people directed at the establishments of faith. that square measure 2 quite separate things. To my mind. Notions of social justice square measure in no method contrary to the principles espoused by faith itself, as a result of near the guts of all the nice religion traditions within the aim of promoting humanity's most positive nurturing and qualities such values as kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, and private integrity.