Can Morality Exist Without Religion?
Topic
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Morality Requires Religion
Viewpoint
Can Morality Exist Without Religion?
Topic
turn_right
Morality Requires Religion
Viewpoint
The following Argument has been submitted for the Viewpoint above.
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Religion Provides Motivation for Moral Behavior
Hidden During Evaluations Submitter
May 21, 2025, 05:53 PM UTC Submission Time
published_with_changes May 21, 2025, 06:31 PM UTC Last Edit
2 Counters, 0 Evaluations Total Numbers of Submitted Counters and Counter Evaluations
Ranking Confidence: 0/10
Aim for a ranking confidence of 9.9 or higher.
Current Confidence in the Ranking of Submitted Counters

Religious belief offers powerful incentives for moral conduct—such as divine reward (e.g., heaven) and punishment (e.g., hell). For many, this system encourages accountability, especially in situations where secular consequences are absent.

Self-explanatory Source Type
The following Counters have been submitted to the Argument above.
error
Fear of Punishment Is Not Genuine Morality
Hidden During Evaluations Submitter
May 21, 2025, 05:53 PM UTC Submission Time
May 21, 2025, 06:50 PM UTC Last Edit

Acting morally due to fear of divine punishment may reflect obedience, not ethical virtue. True morality requires internal motivation, such as empathy or rational reflection—not just fear-based compliance.

Self-explanatory Source Type
error
Secular People Also Exhibit Strong Moral Behavior
Hidden During Evaluations Submitter
May 21, 2025, 05:53 PM UTC Submission Time
May 21, 2025, 06:49 PM UTC Last Edit

Studies show that atheists and agnostics often score high on measures of charity, honesty, and prosocial behavior. See here.

Linked References Source Type
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