RELIGION'S ERRANT MORALITY

We republish our article on the origin and evolution of our sense of morality here. Religions can accidentally or intentionally repeat moral truths but cannot be relied upon to form a proper moral code. Religion often causes moral depravity, and with its reward and punishment regime based on the motivation to act only as is required to gain a particular reward and avoid certain afterlife punishment, it cannot be the source of objective right and wrong in real life on earth. Five of the 10 Commandments deal with worshiping a single god and do not purport to codify evolutionarily nurtured innate moral principles. 

The question of how we know what's right is as old as humanity itself. While some attribute our moral compass to religious teachings, a more compelling explanation lies in the evolution of human experience over thousands of years. This article explores the concept that morality is an intrinsic part of our human nature, embedded in our DNA, and essential for the survival of our species. We will also discuss the shortcomings of the religious reward and punishment system and its detrimental effects on proper moral behavior.

The Evolution of Morality

1.     Survival and Cooperation: From early human societies, cooperation and mutual support were crucial for survival. Those who acted altruistically and supported their community had a better chance of survival. Over time, these behaviors became hardwired into our psyche, creating an innate sense of right and wrong.

2.     Innate Knowledge of Right and Wrong: Humans have developed an intuitive understanding of morality through thousands of years of evolution. This moral code is, in a sense, embedded in our DNA. While some individuals may have a stronger inscription of this code than others, and some may be led astray by self-serving motives, the underlying sense of right and wrong remains.

Principles and Codes of Honor

Throughout history, societies have codified these intrinsic moral principles into various codes of honor and ethical guidelines. These codes often reflect the collective wisdom of generations, crystallizing behaviors that promote social harmony and individual well-being. However, the core of our moral understanding remains intuitive and shared across cultures and epochs.

The Fallacy of Rewards and Punishments

Religious teachings often emphasize rewards and punishments as tools for moral guidance. However, this approach is demonstrably unreliable and misdirected as a genuine contribution to morality. It creates an incentive to follow only those directions that promise a reward in the afterlife, leading to hypocrisy and a lack of genuine moral behavior.

1.     No Need for Carrots and Sticks: Humans do not require a carrot or a stick to understand and follow moral principles. Our ingrained sense of morality is sufficient to guide us, making external rewards and punishments redundant. Instead, these mechanisms often create fear and guilt, distorting our natural inclinations and leading to unhealthy behaviors.

2.     The Hypocrisy of Religious Morality: The religious reward and punishment system encourages individuals to care less about moral actions that only have real-world consequences. By focusing on an afterlife that does not exist, religious individuals may be misled away from reality and the enhancement of legitimate, real-world morality.

The Detrimental Effects of Religion

Religion, with its rigid doctrines and emphasis on an afterlife, can obstruct our inherent moral compass and lead to immoral actions. In the name of supporting an afterlife, religious individuals have committed acts such as war, torture, denial of civil rights, and other abuses.

1.     Religion as a Denial of Moral Truths: Organized religion can be a force that denies moral truths, promoting actions that harm individuals and societies. Religion detracts from our natural ability to discern and act on ethical principles by imposing arbitrary rules and fostering dependency on external validation.

2.     Immoral Acts in the Name of Religion: History is replete with examples of immoral acts committed in the name of religion. These actions, justified by the promise of rewards in an afterlife, highlight the dangers of relying on religious teachings for moral guidance. In reality, these acts often violate the innate moral code that promotes the well-being and survival of our species.

Conclusion

Our understanding of what's right is deeply rooted in our evolutionary history and collective human experience. Morality is not a product of religious doctrine but an intrinsic part of our nature, essential for the survival and flourishing of our species. While amoral behavior may rise, it highlights the importance of adhering to our highest moral standards. Those who honor these principles will continue to thrive and lead, while the amoral will be marginalized. Let us trust in our innate sense of right and wrong and strive to uphold the values that have guided humanity for millennia.