Post #8: Seven Religions

Briefly outline the ethics of the above seven religions.

Taoism
Taoism is a philosophical thought originating to an ancient Chinese philosopher by the name of Lao Tzu. Lao Tzu believed that all of humankind was genuinely good. Taoism’s values are that it is reflective in nature and thus self-empowering for the practitioner. In regards to Philosophical Taoism, its main philosophical ideas pertain to matters of knowledge. Philosophical Taoism believes knowledge is power. They believe that when one has knowledge or wisdom, one will be better prepared to live a conservative life. A life that is not rife with drama or conflict. No drama in one’s personal life and no conflict with one’s reality. Philosophical Taoism prescribes wu wei as the way to live one’s life. This, in essence, is to live peacefully.

Taoism focuses more on the “becoming” than the “doing.” It espouses “harmony with all things and people.” If action is required and one is forced to disturb the “natural order of things,” one should “do what is required by the events and their context,” but never go beyond the call of duty. The reason for such a limited display of impulsivity “is that such intervention is destructive to all involved.” In other words, Taoist refrain from acting on impulse, irregardless of intent, because the consequences have an impact on our reality beyond our knowledge. That is why Taoist “wait for events to make action necessary.” In general, Taoism does not approve of “killing, stealing, lying and promiscuity, and promotes altruistic, helpful and kindly behaviour.” In all, Taoism promotes a better world by bettering you.

Buddhism
Buddha taught that the way to enlightenment first starts with knowing The Four Noble Truths. First there is dukkha. Dukkha is the belief that suffering is the cause of all life’s troubles. The cause of suffering is our need for attachment, an attachment to life, health, youth, love, and material possessions. Next, there is tanha. Tanha is the seeking of pleasure for one’s own self. Simply stated, Tanha is selfishness. Tanha is, therefore, responsible for dukkha because it is our selfishness that causes our suffering. The third Noble Truth posits that once we understand our role in our suffering, i.e. selfishness, we will be relieved of the suffering our selfishness creates. Finally, the Fourth Noble Truth is The Eightfold Path. Buddhism prescribes The Eightfold Path as Noble Truth Four as a guide to end suffering. The Eightfold Path begins with right knowledge. This step begins where The Four Noble Truths end. Right knowledge is the fourth noble truth. Next is right aspiration. Right aspiration is simply what we truly want from this life. It’s a decision that needs to be made by the one seeking enlightenment as to whether or not they want to pursue this for all the right reasons. Then there is right speech. Simply, be mindful of your words. Be careful of the things you say because they may come true. Once conscious of our words, then concentrate on speaking truthfully. Next is right behavior. Right behavior is also known as the Five Precepts of Buddhism. The Five Precepts are do not kill, do not steal, do not lie, do not be unchaste, and do not partake in drugs and alcohol. In Buddhism, the aforementioned are the equivalent to the Ten Commandments. Next, is right livelihood. Right livelihood is either being a monk or finding work that contributes to all of society. Next is right effort. Right effort is exactly what is implies, doing what is morally right. Then there is right mindfulness. Right mindfulness is to be aware of one’s thoughts and one’s actions, to understand that our emotions and moods are not real and have no real baring on our reality. Right mindfulness implies that one is in tune with all there is, starting with one’s own self and how that self interacts with its reality. Finally, there is right absorption. Right absorption is how one contemplates on the aforementioned on a daily basis. It is the reminder as to why one has chosen to travel down this path.

Abortion: Buddhists are divided on the issue of abortion. Traditional thinking “rejects abortion because it involves destroying a life” and interferes with the karma of the unborn fetus by depriving the fetus “of the opportunities than earthly existence would have been given to earn good karma.” Although Buddhists unconditionally agree that life begins at the moment of conception, modern Buddhists remain divided on the issue.

For an act such as abortion to be considered an act of murder, Buddha afforded that there be five conditions: “the thing killed must be a living being; you, the killer, must know or be aware that it is a living being; you must have the intention to kill it; there must be an effort to kill; the being must be killed as the result.” If all of Buddha’s conditions are present during the act of abortion, then a violation of Right Behavior, or “First Precept of Buddhism,” has occurred.

Animals: Buddhists try to always exhibit little to no harm towards animals, act in “loving-kindness,” adhere to the teaching of Right Livelihood, follow the “doctrine of Karma,” and treat all living beings with “equal respect.” For this reason, Buddhists think it to be “wrong to hurt or kill animals.” On the contrary, Buddhists think that because of the doctrine of Karma, Buddhists think that animals are inhabited by the souls of those who had conducted “misdeeds” in their prior life.

Capital Punishment: Due to the various schools of thought in regards to Buddhism, “there is no unified Buddhist policy on capital punishment.” Due to the Buddhist belief that murder violates the “First Precept of Buddhism,” would not agree with Buddhist tenets. Also, capital punishment will have dire consequences “on the souls of both offender and the punisher in future incarnations.”

Contraception: The Buddhists believe that the only acceptable contraception is that which “prevents contraception” but unacceptable if it prevents an egg from developing. An example of such contraception would be the “IUD.” The “IUD” acts “by killing the fertilized egg and preventing implantation” and thus harms “the consciousness which has already become embodied.”

Euthanasia/Suicide: There is no clear position on euthanasia in Buddhism. The Buddhists stress the importance of one’s state of mind. If one’s mind is considered to be in a negative state, then it is assumed that this is the reason one would wish for a voluntary death. Also, anyone who assists in euthanasia will experience the residue effects of the one who has chosen voluntary death. This, in turn, has an impact on the person’s karma in that it “interferes with the working out of karma, and alters the karmic balance resulting from the shortened life.”

Organ Donation: Buddhists main tenet is to end all suffering. In regards to organ donation, such an act may be considered “an act of charity.” Ultimately, organ donation is an individual choice. Also, due to the importance stressed on the “death process,” the “consciousness of the dead person” should be taken into consideration in that whatever the dead person was feeling, thinking, experiencing might transfer into the recipient’s consciousness.

War: Buddhists do not believe in violence. Although self-defense is permitted, Buddhists are forbidden from committing an act of murder irregardless of circumstances.

Hinduism
Hindus view the universe as that which functions according to law of karma. Although the introduction of the soul is unknown, its function is to integrate itself back into God’s presence. This is done through the process of reincarnation. As a soul works its way up the spiritual evolutionary ladder it draws itself closer to God. Each new lifetime is different from the previous because of the accomplishments or failures of the previous lifetime. Therefore, life in the universe is strictly that of personal responsibility. In the karmic cycle, or life in the universe, there are no victims. Moksha is the only way to escape the karmic cycle. The Hindus view of life is determined by karma.

Abortion: Hindus adhere to the principles of Ahimsa, or “non-violence.” Ahimsa transfer over to Abortion in that Hindus “choose the action that will do least harm to all involved: the mother and father, the foetus and society.” When taken into context, Hindus do not advocate the practice of abortion, except in cases where the mother’s life is in danger. Also, an act of abortion is considered contrary to Hindu traditions. According to Hindu traditions, it is considered a “duty to produce children in order to continue the family and produce new members of society.”

Animal Ethics: “The doctrine of ahimsa leads Hindus to treat animals well,” although it does not prevent “animal sacrifice.”

Capital Punishment: The practice of ahimsa prevents Hindus from exacting retribution stemmed from “killing, violence and revenge.” More than likely, Hinduism will mirror the Buddhists perspective on capital punishment.

Contraception: Since the Hindus consider it a duty to have a “family and produce new members of society,” contraception, although permitted, is more than likely not to be common practice.

Euthanasia/Suicide: Because the Hindus focus “on the consequences of our actions” rather than ideas, Hindus have a variety of things to consider such as karma, the principle of ahimsa, or whether such an act can be merited as dharma, or a “good deed,” when contemplating euthanasia/suicide. In regards to euthanasia/suicide, both are considered to be equivalent to murder. The act of intentionally ending a life interferes with a “soul’s progress towards liberation.” Concerning euthanasia, the Hindus have two positions: you are either fulfilling dharma or you are interrupting “the timing of the cycle of death and rebirth.” Concerning the act of suicide, Hindus believe that the act of “Prayopavesa, or fasting to death,” to be the only acceptable means of suicide.

Organ Donation: There is nothing of note in Hindu tradition that prevents Hindus “from donating their organs and tissues.” Hindus consider the body and all it encompasses to be nothing more than a vessel that houses the soul, thereby, given no real importance.

War: Hinduism both promotes and condemns the act of war. The principles of ahimsa and karma condemn any act of violence and the teachings of “Kshatriyas” promote violence. Hindus do advocate war and violence as a “use of force in self-defence” and as a moral obligation.

Sikhism
The religion of Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak, a philosopher grounded in the Sant tradition, during the 16th century. Guru Nanak was the first of Ten Sikh Gurus prior to the splintering of the religion due to the disapproval of individuals who were appointed as Gurus and the various turns to militancy in attempts to stave off oppression. The first ten Gurus are acknowledged by traditional Sikhs. The Sikhs believe in one God. They practice meditation as a form or prayer and repeat God’s name during meditation. They believe in the concept of reincarnation and that one must work towards moksha to escape the cycle of life and death. The Sikhs do not believe in any form of stratification, thus, rebuking a caste system and gender roles. Orthodox Sikhs adhere to the Khalsa.

Abortion: Although there is no “code of conduct” that deal with abortion specifically, Sikhism does not allow abortions because “it interferes in the creative work of God – who created everything and is present in every being.”

Contraception: “Sikhs have no objection to birth control.”

Euthanasia/Suicide: Life, according to Sikhism, is the “creative work of God” and is considered a “gift from God.” Euthanasia is not condoned because the “timing of birth and death should be left in God’s hands” and suicide is frowned upon because it is considered an “interference in God’s plan.” Sikhs believe that “we have a duty to use life in a responsible way,” therefore, any premature end to life by the hands of man is not an option.

Organ Donation: Sikhism does not put forth any objections concerning the donating and/or receiving of organs. Although it isn’t clear whether organ donation is condoned during life, it is acceptable after death.

Dharam Yudh – Just War: Sikhism believes in the concept of the Just War, or “Dharma Yudh.” Sikhs believe in the Just War when fought in “defence of righteousness.” The rules of such a war are as followed: “the war must be the last resort,” “the motive must not be revenge or enmity,” “ the army must not include mercenaries,” “the army must be disciplined,” “ only the minimum force needed for success should be used,” “civilians must not be harmed,” “there must be no looting, territory must not be annexed, property taken must be returned,” and “it should be undertaken even if it cannot be won.” The last condition is a reflection of Sikh history, as they have became more and more militant as a result of “oppression and attempts to suppress the faith.”

Judaism
Judaism is a religion that sought meaning and whilst on that search they ultimately found meaning in God, creation, human existence, history, morality, justice, and suffering. Judaism found meaning in God in that the Hebrews understood God to be the "Supreme Being." Judaism found meaning in creation in that where others thought life to be a curse, the Jews believed it to be a blessing. The Jews accepted all of life’s obstacles, all of life’s trials and tribulations because they believed it to be part of God’s will and if God willed it, then it couldn’t be bad. Judaism found meaning in human existence in that they never lost sight of man’s capabilities. They were well aware of the eternal struggle man would endure. The potential for moral weakness and transgression was always there but the potential for moral strength and affirmation was always there, as well. Judaism found meaning in history in that it gave meaning to their life as people. They saw the importance of taking meaning from one’s life. Judaism found meaning in morality in that it determined how one should interact with others. Considering that man is a social animal in that he needs others to be human, he also acts out like an animal while around others. Morality bridges this divide. Judaism found meaning in justice in that their prophets understood that responsibility was not just on the individual but more so on society and that society will be judged "on the justice of its social order." Judaism found meaning in suffering in that they came to understand their predicament as God having high expectations of them. This required a high degree of belief. They never stopped believing in their God, they never stopped believing that everything happened for a reason, and most importantly, they never stopped believing that they were God’s chosen people. This allowed for them to never give up in the face of crisis and to continuously move forward in spite of overwhelming odds. Whatever they had to endure, God intended it to be. Each lesson learned in the face of trial and tribulation was an experience to later be of value to the world.

Abortion: Judaism does not ban the practice of abortion but it also does not promote it, either. In practice, “abortion is only permitted for serious reasons.” Unless the pregnancy directly puts the mother’s life in danger, abortion would be permitted within the “first forty days of pregnancy” of the fetus’ life cycle because the fetus is considered to be “mere fluid.”

Animals: Judaism advocates the treating of animals with respect because “God himself makes a covenant with the animals, just as he does with humanity.” It is only permitted to bring harm to an animal if it is “an essential human need” such as, food and clothing.

Capital Punishment: Judaism does not practice or condone capital punishment.

Circumcision: Circumcision is a tradition that has lasted for over 3000 years. The rite of circumcision is adhered to because it is considered to be part of the covenant with God as commanded by God. Failure to be circumcised could be grounds for expulsion from the “community of God.” Granted, there is opposition to circumcision.

Contraception: Birth control is permitted in Judaism, as long as it does “not damage the sperm or stop it getting to its intended destination.”

Euthanasia/Suicide: Judaism forbids “active euthanasia” and suicide because “The Jewish tradition regards the preservation of human life as one of its supreme moral values and forbids doing anything that might shorten life.” On the other hand, a doctor may remove an “impediment to the natural process of death.”

Genetic Engineering: On the surface, one would think that Judaism would frown upon genetic engineering but because their population is prone to the genetic disorder, Tay Sachs, genetic screening and genetic manipulation is practiced. Otherwise, there is no doctrine that explicitly rules out genetic engineering.

Organ Donation: Organ donation is encouraged if it is to save a life or lives, otherwise, it would depend on circumstance. If needed immediately, it is encouraged and considered a honor, but if it were meant for an organ bank, it would “be looked on less favourably.”

War: Judaism permits war, only if there is an attempt for peace or war was avoided at all costs. Judaism believed there to be three kinds of war: “obligatory” or those commanded by God, “defensive” or those in self-defense, and “optional” or those considered Just.

Islam
The religion and word Islam have two meanings. The first meaning is that of "peace" and the second meaning is that of "surrender." It is the religion that brings peace to the practitioner’s life once he has surrendered it over to God. Islam is a religion that continues with the revelations of Moses and Jesus but ends with Muhammad, The Prophet. The main philosophical teachings of Islam focus on four things: "God, Creation, the Human Self, and the Day of Judgement." Concerning God, Islam stresses God’s awesome power. Concerning Creation, Islam stresses that God created the world and humankind deliberately. Concerning the Human Self, Islam stresses that humanity is innately good. If anything, humanity is guilty of forgetting its "divine origin. Finally, concerning the Day of the Judgement, Islam stresses a soul is either destined for "the Heavens or the Hells." The main practices of Islam are best captured in the Five Pillars of Islam. The Five Pillars teaches a Muslim to "walk the straight path." The first Pillar is the shahadah. The shahadah simply is a confession of faith in which a Muslim proclaims, "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Prophet." The second Pillars is the canonical prayer. Muslims are expected to pray 5x’s a day. The prayer is intended to put perspective back into everyday life and to express gratitude for that life. The third Pillar is the practice of charity. Those who are comfortable in life and well-off are expected to share the wealth with those that are in need. The fourth Pillar is that every Muslim is expected to observe the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the month in which Muhammad started to receive his revelations from God and when he went on the hijra. During Ramadan, every Muslim is expected to fast from sun-up to sun-down. The fast is intended to teach "self-discipline. It reminds one of one’s frailty and dependence. And if fosters compassion, for only the hungry know what hunger means." Finally, the fifth Pillar is the pilgrimage to Mecca. At least once in their lifetime every Muslim is expected to visit Mecca. The pilgrimage is intended to "heighten the pilgrim’s commitment to God" and to remind the Muslim that all of humanity is a brotherhood. In regards to the social practices of Islam, Muslims refer to the Qu’ran, which discusses four areas of life: economics, the status of women, race relations, and the use of force. Concerning economics, the Qu’ran stresses against classism and injustices against those without means to defend themselves. Capitalism is encouraged so long as compassion overrides greed and Muslims do not forget the third Pillar of faith. Concerning the status of women, the Qu’ran "improved woman’s status incalculably. They forbade infanticide. They required that daughters be included in inheritance." Also, the Qu’ran "leaves open the possibility of woman’s full equality with man, an equality this is being approximated as the customs of Muslim nations become modernized." Most importantly, it was the idea of marriage that the Qu’ran contributed to the status of women. First, marriage is a done deal once the couple has intercourse. Second, women had a say as to whether or not they wanted to marry. Thirdly, the Qu’ran allows for divorce only as a last resort and they are allowed to keep the money provided to them by their husband before the marriage. Concerning race relations, Islam does not accept any racial injustice or bigotry whatsoever. Racial equality is a fundamental practice in Islam. Finally, concerning the use of force, Islam allows for the use of force if need be. "It must be either defensive or to right an horrendous wrong," yet, stresses that forgiveness is better.

Abortion: Islam considers abortion to be forbidden, although it is allowed in some instances. Islam will allow an abortion in order to save the mother’s life or to prevent the fetus from suffering as a child. If an abortion is permitted, it must be done within the first “120 days” of the life of the fetus.

Animals: Muslims believe that all animals “must be treated with kindness and compassion.” Although they believe that animals were placed on Earth for the “benefit of human beings,” animals killed must be killed according to “Sharia law.”

Capital Punishment: Although “forgiveness is preferable,” Islam “accepts capital punishment.”

Contraception: Islam does not promote contraception because it is “strongly pro-family and regards children as a gift from God.”

Euthanasia/Suicide: Euthanasia and suicide are not permitted in Islam as “all human life is sacred because it is given by Allah, and that Allah chooses how long each person will live.”

Circumcision: Islam promotes circumcision as a means of “purification” and as an “introduction to the Islamic faith and a sign of belonging.”

Stem Cell Research: Islam is split on stem cell research. Some Muslims think it is ethical to conduct stem cell research because “the embryo does not have a soul,” while other Muslims think it to be “immoral to destroy embryos at any stage to harvest stem cells.”

War: Islam permits the act of war and set out “clear guidelines as to when war is ethically right, and clear guidelines as to how such a war should be conducted.” War is allowed on when in “self-defence,” “when other nations have attacked an Islamic state,” and “if another state is oppressing its own Muslims.”

Jihad: Jihad literal translation is “struggle or effort,” for Islam, there are three kinds of Jihad: the struggle within to be a good Muslim, the effort of creating a “good Muslim society,” and “Holy War.”

Christianity
Christianity has 3 factions, Eastern Orthodoxy, Protestantism, and Roman Catholicism. All three have a central focus, Jesus Christ. For the Roman Catholics, Christianity is based on the concepts of "Teaching Authority and Sacramental Agent." Teaching Authority to the Roman Catholics is the belief that Jesus was God incarnate and he came to earth to give life lessons that better prepare us for the afterlife. This, in turn, leads to the idea that the Pope is God’s voice on earth and because he is speaking on behalf of God concerning matters of the human soul, he is free of error. In regards to the Sacramental Agent, the Roman Catholic Church piggybacks Teaching Authority in that it acts as the Agent that helps us do what the Pope tells us is best for our soul and salvation. The Roman Catholic Church promotes the seven sacraments of life which are Baptism, Confirmed (confirmation), Holy Matrimony (marriage), Holy Orders, Sacrament of the Sick, Reconciliation (confession), and Mass. Also, the Roman Catholic Church believe that the Holy "Trinity dwells in every Christian soul" and only through prayer and confession can one possibly experience God’s grace. For Eastern Orthodoxy, although it shares quite a bit with Roman Catholicism, such as the Sacraments and "intent regarding the Teaching Authority", it differs in regards to interpreting scripture and how those interpretations come about. In Eastern Orthodoxy, the "developments’ of doctrine" conducted by the Roman Catholic Church are viewed as "additions" which are a necessity of faith. Also, since Eastern Orthodoxy does not have a Pope to lead their church, any decisions made, anything resembling a final word concerning the human soul, faith, and salvation is left to "the conscience of the Church" or the people of the church. The people are the conscience of the Church because, as Christians, they are a part of the God and Christ and, as a result, are a part of each other. Within Eastern Orthodoxy, salvation is a team effort; the Church and it parishioners are bound by faith. This extends beyond the pews into pulpit. The bound is so great within Eastern Orthodoxy that the parishioners elect church officials and have a voice in the dogmas it practices. Also, Eastern Orthodoxy encourages the active pursuit of God’s grace. For Protestantism, Christianity is based on the concepts of "Justification by Faith and the Protestant Principle." Justification by Faith is the believing with your entire being. It’s believing with your body, heart, and mind. The Protestants believe that nothing the church has to offer matters unless it moves you to the core. Unless one is touched body, heart, and mind by what is being preached, the teachings amount to "mere mouthings." Why must they be touched body, heart, and mind? Believing body, heart, and mind convinces one that they are experiencing "God’s love" and when one experiences "God’s love" they are compelled to act from the good with genuine volition.

Abortion: The Roman Catholic Church view abortion as a sin and “a grave moral wrong” which is equivalent to murder.

Animal Rights: Traditionally, animals were considered inferior to man and thus, had no rights, but today, “Modern Christians generally take a much more pro-animal line.” The Roman Catholic view recognizes “that animals have both an intrinsic value and a place in God’s kingdom” and would “avoid anything that brings unnecessary suffering or death to animals.”

Capital Punishment: There is some divisiveness in regards to the death penalty, yet, “For much of history, the Christian Churches accepted that capital punishment was a necessary part of the mechanisms of society.”

Circumcision: In Christianity, the only thing needed for circumcision is to be “circumcised of the heart.”

Contraception: Roman Catholics frown upon birth control. On the other hand, “Christian acceptance of contraception is relatively new.”

Euthanasia: Christians think euthanasia is wrong, while Roman Catholics view it as morally wrong.

Organ Donation: Organ donation is applauded in Christianity.

Same-Sex Marriage: Anglicans, Quakers, and Methodists “bless same-sex couples” or “same-sex unions.”

War: “The main Christian view of war ethics is contained in the doctrine of the Just War.” For the most part, “Christians have a long history of refusing to take part in war.”

Are their ethics different than your own religious view?
Since I do not partake of any organized religion, my views will vary from issue to issue.