NORMAN — Religion can help morality develop
Lama Chuck Stanford, Rime Buddhist Center & Monastery: The belief that morality comes from religion is so strong that it would seem the two are inextricably linked. But does morality really depend upon religion? ... Clearly, living a moral life doesn’t depend on religion alone. But if morality doesn’t depend on only religion, then what keeps people from committing heinous crimes other than society’s laws? All beings want to be happy and try to avoid suffering. ...
It is believed that man’s (or woman’s) basic nature is not only good, but, in fact enlightened. ... While religion may not be a prerequisite for moral or virtuous actions, religious practice can be very helpful in developing them.
Society needs a guide to show the way
The Rev. R.L. Baynham, pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church, Kansas City, Kan.: While the question raises issues of right and wrong, it also has determined that society has collectively established systems that best guide mankind in moral living.
Religion plays a major role in the development and maintenance of a society’s morality ... Without basic rules, society’s welfare would be plummeting into annihilation. Every social order has a set of ... laws in place to guide the masses into a ... healthy relationship.
History has taught ... that all mankind needs a religion that will guide society in making the right choices. I acknowledge that the Christian religion is based on the teachings of great biblical leaders who were inspired by God to the mandate of his teachings ...
I trust God in his infinite wisdom to provide for me the inspiration from the men and women who take him by faith and set examples of how to live morally in an immoral world. We live our lives in the light of God’s teachings with the expectation that we shall live in a better place.
