Abstract:
The aim of this contribution is to reflect on the relation between religion and morality. An
overview of the different theories of the origin of morality is provided. According to
Blanchard, there are four traditional ways in which the origin of morality can be explained:
(1) origin from nature, (2) origin from ourselves, (3) origin from culture and (4) origin from
an objective moral law. The last instance creates the possibility for religion to be identified as
the origin of morality. In reflecting on the relation between religion and morality one realises
that the question that needs to be discussed is whether religion is indeed the provider of
morality or not. It is also necessary to determine if religion is the guarantor for morality. The
aim of this contribution is to reflect on the relation between religion and morality. An
overview of the different theories of the origin of morality is provided. In reflecting on the
relation between religion and morality one realises that the question that needs to be
discussed is whether religion is indeed the provider of morality or not. It is also necessary to
determine if religion is the guarantor for morality. What happens in a secularised society? Is
it still possible for morality to exist in a secularised society? It is clear from an understanding
of secularisation as differentiation – the separation of spheres – religion and morality can be
separated and can exist independently in a secularised society. The influence of the evolution
theory by Charles Darwin led to a new way of understanding the nature of morality. Some
reflection on the influence of evolution on morality is presented here. One prominent
recommendation resulting from this investigation is to emphasise that religion can provide
the morals for morality.
INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : This contribution reflects the
intersection of anthropology, philosophy, religion studies and ethics. The discussion is based
on a philosophical reflection on the relation between religion and morality.
