Role of Religion in Shaping Moral Values

Abstract

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Religion has been considered to be one of the key institutions in influencing moral values, ethical standards and social conducts of societies. Religious traditions in the past and present have given us moral frameworks by which individual behavior, social relations, and collective responsibility are guided. This paper discusses the issue of religion in the formulation of moral values by identifying how religious conception, practices and organizations have an impact on the ideas of right or wrong, justice, compassion, and social order. Based on sociological, psychological and philosophical approaches, the study brings out the role of religion in promoting moral growth of both individuals and the society. Meanwhile, it also recognizes the complexities and tension that come with the issue of religious pluralism, secularization, and globalization that have transformed the morality power of religion in contemporary societies. The paper holds that although religion continues to be a significant root of moral guidance, the maration between religion and other cultural, political and institutional sources is being increasingly mediated. This role is important in the analysis of moral formation, social cohesion, and moral decisions in different and developing societies.