Can one live a moral life without religion?

1. 91

   suzettenaplesposted 13 years ago

   What a good question!  I don't know.  I know my morals are based on religious faith from when I was a child.  Even though I'm not greatly religious today, I seem to retain my morals from my childhood religious faith.  Either they became my core or I've been brainwashed.  For those who don't have relligious faith to lean on, I guess they would have morals from a common sense of right vs. wrong or good vs. evil.

   replyreport
2. 67

   TexasBobbyposted 13 years ago

   Hmm... Let's go with the Socratic Method and answer a question with a question...
   Do you think that prosperity preachers, those that tell the poor, "Send me your money and you will be rewarded ten fold." are moral?

   replyreport
3. 60

   Mansoor Saeedposted 13 years ago

   what i think is that morality or humanity are extracted from the religion.
   
   in every religion there are nearly same moral values.
   
   you can say that being moral is like practicing a part of religion.

   replyreport
4. 60

   the eskimoposted 13 years ago

   When morality comes into play, the question, ultimately, must be where is the source of morality, or what are the guidelines that determine whether or not an action is moral?

   replyreport
5. 61

   ivantsoftposted 13 years ago

   religion is optional. it is up to you whether or not to believe! a moral life is totally possible!

   replyreport
6. 59

   mythicalstorm273posted 13 years ago

   Yes! Of course having no religion is a religion. I believe that the question is more what is your religion? You do not have to follow an organized religion or follow any sort of beliefs, but if you believe anything then you have a religion! Still if you do not agree with me and swear you have no religion I would not say you have no morals! It is just all in how you look at it!

   replyreport
7. 69

   terrektwoposted 13 years ago

   I think the idea of morals is founded on religion, without it I am not sure what would tell us right from wrong, we'd be no different than animals. A hungry cat doesn't stop to think whether killing a bird is wrong.

   replyreport
8. 59

   bjornborgboxersposted 13 years ago

   Definitely. Maybe you are morally even more free since you have less to consider...

   replyreport
9. 71

   SidKempposted 13 years ago

   I have actually met people of no religion (athiest, agnostic, materialist, scientific, philosophical) and many, many religions -and, in each and every case, I have found both moral people, and also people who frequently do harm. Morality is about how we live our lives and care for all, not so much about our religious beliefs.

   replyreport
10. 71

    stanwshuraposted 13 years ago

    Yes - it goes without saying!  Religion corrupts as much as any other social force.  It's about faith and truth, not ceremony, incense, "blessed" wafers and praying in a certain direction.
    
    Those things are absolutely meaningly and do NOTHING to prove God exists, or to bring you to belief and a closer relationship to Him.
    
    Morality and ethics are about truth and fairness and love.  You don't need religion to believe in, practice, or even die for, something or someone you value more than yourself, or for whom/what you believe it is a worthy price.
    
    You don't need "God" to be "good".

    replyreport
11. 86

    tsmogposted 13 years ago

    I really don't know, but am going to look into it. I say this because even the great philosophers were influenced somehow, someway by religion if they didn't think up one to begin with.

    replyreport
12. 38

    TorremochaJposted 13 years ago

    Our principal in high school does not have a religion but he has a good moral conduct. For him, religion is a business so he doesn't have one but he believe in god.

    replyreport
13. 61

    Career-Guideposted 13 years ago

    we can gain knowledge through scientific research and looking at the natural world - what is real, what we can see and touch
        this one life is all we know we have
        our morality (our sense of right and wrong) comes from our human nature and culture
        what is right is what promotes human welfare and fulfilment
        we can and should create meaning and purpose in life
    
    Many people hear this list and say "well, I guess I'm a Humanist". Maybe it's you as well. Most Humanists don't believe in God or belong to any religion, but call themselves Humanist because they share these values.

    replyreport
14. 72

    Darrell Robertsposted 13 years ago

    Sure, because a person chooses not to follow a particular religion that does not mean they will not have morals, they may actually be a good example of a moral character.  In addition, just because a person claims to be religious that does not mean that they have morals.

    replyreport
15. 67

    hpedneauposted 13 years ago

    Of course! I would hope one can make the decision that killing is wrong without someone, something or some book telling you so. We all have the ability to make our own decisions about what's right and wrong, and if we fail chances are there's a punishment for it. A reason civil society is in place.

    replyreport
16. 59

    James Halpinposted 13 years ago

    Of course.  Some of the nicest people in my life don't believe in God.  They even use that fact to be the nicest person you'd ever meet.  But the truth is that your works are not what gets you in heaven.  But acceppting Jesus Christ as your Savior.

    replyreport
17. 0

    YSPposted 13 years ago

    Morality and religion aren't really related. Religion is about following God's commandments. Being moral is about following a code of ethics. Following God's commandments doesn't necessarily mean following a code of ethics. Many religious practices have nothing to do with morality.

    replyreport
18. 69

    collegatariatposted 13 years ago

    A person can live a morally good life without religion, but it is only a facade for a worldview that is rootless.  Eventually, the relativism and humanism of their viewpoint will cause what they believe to decay, because if you believe that there are no absolutes everyone can create their own idea of morality. 
    
    I should say that by religion, I mean the Judeo-Christianity that has shaped western morals and culture.  No matter if you think that you have been more shaped by your surroundings and influences, the basis for it has mostly come from that religious tradition.

    replyreport
19. 58

    juiwei2000posted 13 years ago

    It depends on people and what religion, some religion are have value that are not moral either, why do you think we got the old testiment and new testiment version of the bible? (Because the old testiment is fucked up)

    replyreport
20. 0

    howtocposted 13 years ago

    Ofcourse No. although Moral relates to the distinction between good and bad which is affected by how you are raised up by your parents, but its directly affected by how much you are related to your religion. but depend again on the moral it self. some depends on your parents like honest but most related to relgion. for me if there is no relgion control my behavior I can cheat people kill do anything. at the end if I am not affriad that in next life I will be punished for doing so then I can do whatever I want without caring about others

    replyreport
21. 60

    knowledgeispowerrposted 13 years ago

    These things are actually not concern with the religion but exactly the life is. So without religion i think there is no life.

    replyreport
22. 73

    IntimatEvolutionposted 13 years ago

    What does having good  morals have to do with religion?  They are two separate things.  Why couldn't a person live a life without religion, and have morals?  I don't understand why you think that the two have to go hand in hand.

    replyreport
23. 85

    Millionaire Tipsposted 13 years ago

    Absolutely! In fact I think it is easier to live a moral life without a religion than with one.

    replyreport
24. 60

    CuriousVagabondposted 13 years ago

    Morals are the deafening lines we subjectively divide in our mind to separate the differences of right and wrong, so technically--no matter the extent of one way or another extreme right or extreme left--all Earthlings possess some form of moral ideology. Religion is only a facet in the vast array of possibilities of what could determine ones moral state because it is a concept and concepts are moveable. The only reason we often relate morals with religion is because religion likes to set the lines of right and wrong for us and equate it to divine law for all men.
    
    Morals are not founded on religion, family, culture, past experiences, or society... these are only building blocks in structuring our morals. Morals are founded in the individual who ultimately decides "this" is right or "this" is wrong.
    
    It is all just relative to you, the individual.

    replyreport
25. 60

    yenkijattposted 13 years ago

    yes off cause , just believe in one thing that is u. Believe in ur own self n that is more than all religions

    replyreport
26. 61

    magodisposted 13 years ago

    Yes, definitely can. But he or she should have a proper good understanding of the world. If not, I think the religions play a great role.
    If you can't understand things properly, do follow a religion. But if you can tolerate anything with your understanding, forget the religion have it your own way of living.
    
    There are many good people without a religion. I have met some Marxists who care much on others than their own lives.
    So I really value their way of living.

    replyreport
27. 58

    DrJezposted 13 years ago

    Of course you can. If you are a religious person then this can be used as a guide line to how you live your life, but there is a fine line between right and wrong so it's very possible to live a moral life without religion. In fact some non religious have higher morals than others!

    replyreport
28. 60

    Msnancyposted 13 years ago

    In my opiniion to live a Moral Life without Religion is living life without a set of guided rules. The Moral life would be made up by dancing to your own music. Living life according to your own views of right and wrong....seems like trouble to me.

    replyreport
29. 59

    tosha11posted 13 years ago

    Yes, it is very possible. I know alot of people who don't belive in religion they just belive in right and wrong.

    replyreport
30. 59

    nasakeposted 13 years ago

    Ofcourse! In fact sometimes religion stops people from living entirely moral lives.
    
    IN actual fact it depends on what morality actually is. Moral by social imposed laws or moral by human nature? How do we draw a line between which is which?
    
    The fact that you have posted this question suggests that you are not interested in religion but interested in morality... so you are already have way there! Just keep living your life in a way that makes you feel good.
    
    9/10 making people happy will make you feel happy.

    replyreport
31. 59

    He Who Triumphsposted 13 years ago

    I believe that the point of religion is service to a deity through fear/loyalty, but USUALLY only to better themselves for selfish reasons or to get to Heaven.  However, a relationship with God is not religion; and because we were created by intelligent design, morality is one of the main reasons the existence of God is supported. In his book "Mere Christianity," C.S. Lewis has a whole chapter devoted to morality how it is impossible to live it if you truly believe there is no God.
    
    Just my thoughts. I really would like to elaborate more, but that's the short answer. I apologize if it's hard to understand...these thoughts of mine can be kinda jumbled.

    replyreport
32. 80

    JenJen0703posted 13 years ago

    I think religion is man's manipulation of God's word.  I am a spiritual person, and I do believe in God, but I do not profess to religious.  Religion does not create morals, however God's Word does and can help.

    replyreport
33. 60

    emrldphxposted 13 years ago

    I believe there are two ways to view religion.
    
    One, as a belief in an actual Diety, and two, as a belief in a force, energy, or principle.
    
    If we think beyond the confines of organized religion, then morality can be its own form of religion. With or without a sect with which to associate oneself, one is not limited to what he can achieve.

    replyreport
34. 91

    Faceless39posted 13 years ago

    Religion is and always was for people who require outside guidance.  Internal guidance and morality are the goal of religion, and if you can lead a moral and ethical life without religion, great!  But of course I'm tempted to ask you what your conception of morality is. 

    replyreport
35. 72

    debbie robertsposted 13 years ago

    I think the answer to that is yes. Religion is something people choose believe in and it doesn't necessarily give you morals. Morals are the way we conduct ourselves and you don't have to have a religion to know the right way to behave.

    replyreport
36. 61

    BenjaBenjaposted 13 years ago

    Like many here posting, I agree that you can live a moral life without religion. However, I think the deeper question is, would morality (general concepts of good and bad) exist if there never was religion in the first place?
    
    People say that you adopt ethics and morals from your grandparents and parents, but even if your parents are agnostic or atheist, chances are somewhere up the family tree there was a religion or religious book/belief advocating certain morals. Such ideas (often not under the label of Christianity, Judaism, etc.) are passed down and accepted. There are of course be exceptions to this - especially in deeply rooted atheist communities. But in many cases of morality, religion probably did play its role.
    
    You can have Christian or Buddhist values/ethics/morals without being a Christian or Buddhist.

    replyreport
37. 60

    ALURposted 13 years ago

    I believe morality is a soul quest about honoring others. Religion seems to be a thread of dogma to sustain mankind into rigid rules and rob them of independent thinking. Though I don't believe religion started this way, it has become this way.
    
    Morality is simple, also known as humanitarian. How can you breech any kind of universal order by being compassionate and honest. Such is the breath of life and if you have those basic principles then you are on your way to your own wonder.

    replyreport
38. 0

    Saugasfinestposted 13 years ago

    Of course,
    
    morals can be developed by your own sense of right and wrong that you feel when looking at a situation. Despite their ability to stop, most people who do either right things or wrong things in life, know for certain the difference between the two even while doing them.

    replyreport
39. 47

    HumanPerson00posted 13 years ago

    Yes, it is possible to live a moral life without religion because a person may choose to respect life and law while at the same time not affiliating themselves with any particular religion.  People turn their backs on religion for  many reasons- some were never raised to be religious, others have a general feeling of mistrust towards religious practices, institutions, or officials.  While others may be going with whatever the popular sentiment in society seems to be or whatever is "cool" at the time which in our society seems to be ant-religious at the moment.  Most religions ask for their constituents to practice good deeds.  Religion is not the culprit.  People who corrupt religion are the culprits.  Once there are corrupt individuals who have tainted their religion, then others will begin to lose faith in  religion and blame religion for the mistakes and wrongful actions of individuals who misinterpreted what their religion was stating or who simply were going against their own religion. Or in some cases, people makeup their own religion with thier own agendas which are actually not for the good of anyone at all.  So, whether one chooses to be religious or not, it is important to strive to find out what is the meaning of life and what it means to be good and to do good.  And what it means to be bad.  Since we each interpret and perceive these aspects differently, it is difficult to say what is right or wrong.  This is why it is so extremely important to respect people's lives no matter what they believe in or don't believe in.  As for myself, I can outwardly say that I respect my Christian religion because it has taught me many wonderful lessons about love, God, and discipline all through my life.  My experiences within my religion have brought me much joy to see people coming together organized to celebrate life and God.  I am not a perfect person, neither is my religion, but that doesn't mean that I have to give up my religion or judge others for theirs.

    replyreport
40. 0

    Wilfionposted 13 years ago

    There are many moral atheists, and many immoral religious believers.  History is filled with immoral acts committed in the name of a god.  People will often use religion as an excuse to do evil things.  This does not mean religion itself is wrong, simply that being religious does not make someone moral.

    replyreport
41. 61

    ambassadornchainsposted 13 years ago

    Religion is not what defines a person morally.  There are many "religious" people who are extremely corrupt and immoral.  I follow Christ with all my heart, but I have known some non-Christians who were more moral than some of my fellow Christians!! There are many people with a "do good" philosophy without religion.

    replyreport
42. 60

    Dan90017posted 13 years ago

    Of course, you don't necessarily have to have religion in order to treat people in the way you believe people should treat you. Respect for other people should be more than enough to live a moral life without religion.

    replyreport
43. 67

    Moon Lightenedposted 13 years ago

    I realize this hub was published some time ago, but I'd still like to answer.  I don't think religion is necessary to living a moral life and being a moral person.  There are so many other factors that go into forming an individual's perspectives.  One can easily see that without any guidance, an individual can certainly stumble but I have also known folks who follow religion who do immoral things.  Religion is to provide a guideline in life, but so do our family, our peers, our culture and our society.  There is also the factor of the ability and willingness of an individual to learn from their mistakes, to feel empathy and to want to be a good person.

    replyreport
44. 61

    JohnnyB92posted 13 years ago

    To have morals has nothing to do with religion.  In all honesty at least in my opinion religion is an excuse for someone elses views to be expressed through you.  I feel you should establish your own way of doing things and your own morals throughout your whole life. Take advantage of everything you have because life is beautiful so establish your own point of views and run with it its your life do with it what you choose as long as your happy.

    replyreport
45. 59

    acewebdesignposted 13 years ago

    Religion is something that we are just born with..and will stay wid us forever..values are different..there is always a gradual increase in whatever we learn..and we can decide what shud stay..and what shud go..

    replyreport
46. 61

    Dave Mathewsposted 13 years ago

    Yes one can live a "Moral Life" without religion simply follow the laws of society, but this would not guarantee you will go to heaven when you die and you will die.

    replyreport
47. 62

    rabeckerposted 13 years ago

    Yes, as morals aren't the same as religion. I am not a religious person. But yet I don't go around driving drunk, or murdering people.

    replyreport
48. 0

    Tamizposted 13 years ago

    Morals and religion do not always go hand and hand.  We learn so much from various things that affect our morals.  I am presently taking a parenting class in which we are discussing morals and punishment.  I was surprised at how many different variances came when it came down to family rules.  Some people were similar in religious backgrounds while others were the complete polar opposite.  When it came down to it, morals were based on what each couple believed not on their religion itself.  As one person said, "Just because I am religious, doesn't mean I believe this or that."

    replyreport
49. 60

    happychappyjbposted 13 years ago

    What are you talking about, religion is the single most destructive thing in the world. All wars are somehow related to religion.
    
    Having said that being spiritual is different. I dont believe in religion but I believe in something.
    
    Morals are built in. Its hard wired in your head. If you choose not to listen to it then its your choice.
    
    Its not what some one can impose and it shouldn't be...

    replyreport
50. 59

    vianasyaposted 13 years ago

    Moral life isn't just about choosing what's good or bad. It is more than that. There's so many unsure condition in life. Sometimes, we need 'a bigger hand' to help us. Religion is like a basic way of life. To live a moral life in peace, anyone will definitely choose to be religious.

    replyreport