The Impact of Religion on the Development of Morality
Abstract
This review explored the relationship between morality and religion. Morality is an essential aspect to a peaceful society. The role of religion in morality is intriguing. Both cultural transmission and interpersonal communication are foundamental aspects of religion. The development of morality can be divided into external and internal factors. This study discussed the different variations in morality and examined whether religion is the only factor that influences morality. It also explored how different religions view a specific factor of morality. The effect of personal moral philosophies on consumers’ ethical beliefs is included as well. The second section focused on the role of religion in prosocial behaviors. Whether reglious individuals demonstrate more prosocial behaviors was disucssed. Religion does show a significant influence on prosocial behaviors, however, it may vary under different cultural circumstances. This review can provide some guidance to the design of interventions or courses for moral development in schools and communities.
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