Religion, Peace and Ethics
Key Beliefs:
Trinity: Belief in one God in three persons - Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit.
Salvation: Belief that salvation is achieved through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for humanity's sins and was resurrected.
Bible: The holy scripture, comprising the Old Testament and New Testament.
Afterlife: Belief in heaven and hell, with eternal life granted to those who accept Jesus.
Nature of God:
Monotheistic: Belief in one God who is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and omnibenevolent.
Personal: God is involved in the world and accessible through prayer.
Key Figures:
Jesus Christ: Central figure, believed to be the Son of God, the Messiah, whose life and teachings are the foundation of Christianity.
Apostles: Early followers of Jesus who spread his teachings, notably Peter and Paul.
Mary: Mother of Jesus, venerated especially in Catholicism.
Key Beliefs:
Five Pillars: Shahada (faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).
Qur'an: The holy book, believed to be the word of God as revealed to Muhammad.
Hadith: Collections of sayings and actions of Muhammad.
Nature of God:
Monotheistic: Belief in one God (Allah), who is merciful, all-powerful, and transcendent.
Tawhid: The oneness of God, central to Islamic belief.
Key Figures:
Muhammad: The final prophet, who received the revelation of the Qur'an.
Prophets: Including Adam, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, who are respected as messengers of God.
Key Beliefs:
Covenant: The agreement between God and the Jewish people, starting with Abraham.
Torah: The central reference of the religious Judaic tradition, including the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.
Mitzvot: Commandments and laws to be followed by Jews.
Nature of God:
Monotheistic: Belief in one God (Yahweh), who is just and merciful.
Shema: A declaration of the oneness of God, recited in Jewish prayer.
Key Figures:
Abraham: The patriarch who established the covenant with God.
Moses: Led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Torah on Mount Sinai.
David: Second king of Israel, ancestor of the Messiah in Jewish belief.
Key Beliefs:
Dharma: Duty, righteousness, and living in accordance with the cosmic order.
Karma: The law of cause and effect, influencing one's future.
Reincarnation: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of reincarnation, union with the divine.
Nature of God:
Polytheistic: Belief in many gods and goddesses, each representing aspects of the divine.
Brahman: The ultimate reality or world soul, from which all deities and souls originate.
Key Figures:
Brahma: The creator god.
Vishnu: The preserver god, with avatars such as Krishna and Rama.
Shiva: The destroyer god.
Devi: The goddess, representing the feminine aspect of the divine.
Key Beliefs:
Four Noble Truths: Life involves suffering; suffering is caused by desire; ending desire ends suffering; the path to end suffering is the Eightfold Path.
Eightfold Path: A guide to ethical and mental development with the goal of freeing an individual from attachments and delusions.
Nirvana: The ultimate goal, a state of liberation and freedom from suffering.
Nature of God:
Non-theistic: Does not focus on worship of gods but on personal spiritual development and enlightenment.
Key Figures:
Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha): The founder, whose teachings form the basis of Buddhism.
Bodhisattvas: Enlightened beings who delay nirvana to help others achieve it.
Key Beliefs:
Ik Onkar: There is only one God.
Guru Granth Sahib: The central religious scripture.
Five Ks: Articles of faith worn by baptized Sikhs (Kesh, Kara, Kanga, Kacchera, Kirpan).
Seva: Selfless service to others.
Nature of God:
Monotheistic: Belief in one God who is eternal, formless, and the creator of all.
Key Figures:
Guru Nanak: The founder and first of the ten Sikh Gurus.
Ten Gurus: Spiritual leaders who shaped Sikhism, culminating in Guru Gobind Singh who established the Khalsa and declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru.
Worship and Festivals:
Sunday Worship: The primary day for communal worship, often including prayers, hymns, scripture readings, and a sermon.
Christmas: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
Easter: Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
Lent: A 40-day period of fasting and repentance leading up to Easter.
Holy Communion (Eucharist): A sacrament commemorating the Last Supper, where bread and wine are consumed.
Rituals and Ceremonies:
Baptism: A sacrament of initiation, symbolizing purification and admission to the Christian community.
Confirmation: A rite of passage affirming one's faith and membership in the church.
Marriage: A sacrament and covenant between a couple and God.
Funerals: Services to honor the deceased and offer comfort to the bereaved.
Sacred Texts and Their Uses:
Bible: Comprising the Old and New Testaments, used for teaching, guidance, and worship.
Old Testament: Shared with Judaism, includes historical, poetic, and prophetic books.
New Testament: Focuses on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Daily Devotions: Personal or family reading and prayer times.
Places of Worship:
Churches: Buildings where Christians gather for worship, prayer, and community activities.
Cathedrals: Large, often ornate churches, typically the seat of a bishop.
Worship and Festivals:
Daily Prayers (Salah): Performed five times a day facing Mecca.
Ramadan: A month of fasting from dawn until sunset.
Eid al-Fitr: Celebrates the end of Ramadan.
Eid al-Adha: Commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
Rituals and Ceremonies:
Shahada: The declaration of faith, "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger."
Zakat: Giving alms to the needy, one of the Five Pillars.
Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca, required at least once for those who are able.
Circumcision: A common practice symbolizing purity and belonging.
Sacred Texts and Their Uses:
Qur'an: The holy book, considered the literal word of God, recited and memorized.
Hadith: Collections of the sayings and actions of Muhammad, used to guide daily life and law.
Tafsir: Commentaries on the Qur'an to explain and interpret its meanings.
Places of Worship:
Mosques: Places for communal prayers, also serve as community centers.
Kaaba: The most sacred site in Islam, located in Mecca, central to the Hajj pilgrimage.
Worship and Festivals:
Shabbat: The weekly Sabbath from Friday evening to Saturday evening, a time of rest and worship.
Passover (Pesach): Commemorates the Exodus from Egypt.
Yom Kippur: The Day of Atonement, a solemn day of fasting and prayer.
Hanukkah: Celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
Rituals and Ceremonies:
Brit Milah: The circumcision of male infants, performed on the eighth day after birth.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Coming-of-age ceremonies for boys (13) and girls (12 or 13).
Kosher: Dietary laws that prescribe what is permissible to eat and how food should be prepared.
Weddings and Funerals: Rituals to sanctify marriage and honor the deceased.
Sacred Texts and Their Uses:
Torah: The first five books of the Hebrew Bible, central to Jewish worship and law.
Talmud: A compilation of rabbinic teachings and commentary on the Torah.
Tanakh: The Hebrew Bible, comprising the Torah, Prophets (Nevi'im), and Writings (Ketuvim).
Places of Worship:
Synagogues: Centers for worship, study, and community gatherings.
Western Wall: The holiest site in Judaism, located in Jerusalem, a place of prayer and pilgrimage.
Worship and Festivals:
Puja: Daily worship rituals at home or in temples, offering prayers, food, and flowers to deities.
Diwali: The festival of lights, celebrating the victory of light over darkness.
Holi: The festival of colors, celebrating the arrival of spring.
Navaratri: A nine-night festival honoring the goddess Durga.
Rituals and Ceremonies:
Aarti: A ritual of worship with light from wicks soaked in ghee or camphor.
Havan: A fire ritual involving offerings to the fire god Agni.
Samskaras: Rites of passage, including naming, first feeding, and marriage.
Yoga and Meditation: Practices for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Sacred Texts and Their Uses:
Vedas: Ancient scriptures, the oldest and most authoritative texts.
Upanishads: Philosophical texts exploring the nature of reality and the self.
Bhagavad Gita: A dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Krishna on duty and righteousness.
Ramayana and Mahabharata: Epic narratives that teach moral and ethical lessons.
Places of Worship:
Temples (Mandirs): Dedicated to various deities, where rituals and festivals are conducted.
Home Shrines: Personal altars for daily worship and prayer.
Worship and Festivals:
Meditation (Dhyana): Central practice to develop mindfulness and concentration.
Vesak: Celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha.
Asalha Puja: Marks the Buddha's first sermon.
Uposatha: Observance days for renewing commitment to Buddhist practices.
Rituals and Ceremonies:
Taking Refuge: Declaring commitment to the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (community).
Precepts: Ethical guidelines for lay Buddhists and monks.
Offering Alms: Giving food and other necessities to monks.
Ordination: The ceremony for becoming a monk or nun.
Sacred Texts and Their Uses:
Tripitaka (Pali Canon): The primary scriptures, including the teachings of the Buddha.
Sutras: Discourses attributed to the Buddha, used for study and recitation.
Commentaries and Treatises: Scholarly works explaining and interpreting the teachings.
Places of Worship:
Monasteries (Viharas): Communities for monks and nuns, centers of teaching and meditation.
Stupas: Structures containing relics of the Buddha or other revered figures.
Temples: Places for worship, meditation, and community gatherings.
Worship and Festivals:
Daily Prayers (Nitnem): Recitation of prayers in the morning, evening, and before bed.
Gurpurbs: Celebrations of the anniversaries of the births and deaths of the Gurus.
Vaisakhi: Marks the founding of the Khalsa.
Diwali (Bandi Chhor Divas): Commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Ji and other prisoners.
Rituals and Ceremonies:
Amrit Sanskar: The initiation ceremony for joining the Khalsa.
Langar: Community kitchen serving free meals to all, emphasizing equality.
Anand Karaj: The Sikh marriage ceremony.
Akhand Path: Continuous, uninterrupted reading of the Guru Granth Sahib.
Sacred Texts and Their Uses:
Guru Granth Sahib: The central religious scripture, treated with utmost respect, recited and sung in Gurdwaras.
Dasam Granth: Writings attributed to Guru Gobind Singh.
Rehat Maryada: The code of conduct for Sikhs.
Places of Worship:
Gurdwaras: Sikh temples where worship, community activities, and langar take place.
Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib): The holiest Gurdwara, located in Amritsar, India.
Causes: Economic competition, territorial disputes, ideological differences, resource scarcity, nationalism, religious tensions.
Effects: Loss of life, displacement of populations, destruction of infrastructure, economic instability, long-term social and psychological trauma.
Christianity: "Blessed are the peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9). Emphasis on forgiveness, reconciliation, and love for enemies.
Islam: Promotes peace (Salaam) as a core value, with teachings on justice and compassion. Encourages efforts to resolve conflicts peacefully.
Judaism: Values peace (Shalom) and justice, with teachings on reconciliation and communal harmony.
Hinduism: Emphasizes Ahimsa (non-violence) and Dharma (righteousness), promoting peace and harmony.
Buddhism: Advocates for non-violence (Ahimsa) and compassion (Metta), with practices focused on inner peace and conflict resolution.
Sikhism: Teaches the value of peace (Sukh), compassion, and service (Seva), denouncing violence and promoting equality.
Definition: Third-party intervention to facilitate dialogue and negotiation between conflicting parties.
Purpose: Helps disputing parties communicate effectively, understand each other's perspectives, and work towards mutually agreeable solutions.
Examples: United Nations peacekeeping missions, community mediators, international mediation efforts in diplomatic conflicts.
Definition: Negotiation between conflicting parties to achieve peaceful resolutions without resorting to violence.
Purpose: Involves skilled negotiation, compromise, and the use of diplomatic channels to prevent escalation and promote understanding.
Examples: Diplomatic negotiations between countries, peace talks mediated by international organizations like the UN or regional bodies.
Definition: Processes that emphasize repairing harm caused by conflict and fostering reconciliation between offenders, victims, and affected communities.
Purpose: Focuses on accountability, healing, and restoring relationships through dialogue, restitution, and community involvement.
Examples: Victim-offender mediation, community conferencing, Truth and Reconciliation Commissions (e.g., South Africa).
Definition: Ethical framework for evaluating when and how war can be justified.
Criteria: Includes just cause (e.g., self-defense), proportionality (use of force proportional to the threat), legitimate authority, and last resort (all peaceful alternatives exhausted).
Application: Guides decision-making on declaring war, conducting warfare, and post-war justice.
Examples: Debate over wars like World War II, interventions for humanitarian purposes, and responses to terrorism.
Definition: Historical conflicts believed to have religious sanction or purpose, often controversial and debated within religious contexts.
Examples: Crusades in medieval Europe, Jihad (struggle or striving) in Islam, religious conflicts in ancient and modern times.
Controversy: Debate over the religious legitimacy of war, interpretation of religious texts, and the role of faith in justifying violence.
Definition: Belief in the rejection of violence as a means to achieve goals, emphasizing peaceful alternatives and non-aggression.
Examples: Quaker pacifism, Christian pacifist movements, opposition to war and military service based on conscientious objection.
Definition: Active resistance to oppression or injustice without resorting to violence, inspired by religious teachings and moral principles.
Examples: Gandhi's nonviolent resistance against British colonial rule (Satyagraha), Martin Luther King Jr.'s civil rights movement, peaceful protests and demonstrations.
Definition: Methods and processes to peacefully address and resolve disputes, promoting understanding, reconciliation, and cooperation.
Approaches: Negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and consensus-building among parties involved in conflict.
Examples: Conflict resolution workshops, peacebuilding initiatives in post-conflict societies, community-based dialogue programs.
Definition: A central theme in religious teachings involving letting go of resentment and seeking reconciliation for healing and peace.
Purpose: Promotes emotional healing, reconciliation, and rebuilding trust among individuals and communities affected by conflict.
Examples: Practices of forgiveness in Christianity (e.g., forgiving sins), Buddhist teachings on compassion and forgiveness, reconciliation efforts in conflict-affected regions.
Utilitarianism:
Overview: Not explicitly endorsed; ethical decisions often based on biblical teachings and principles rather than consequences alone.
Strengths: Emphasis on promoting well-being aligns with Christian values of love and compassion for others.
Critiques: Concerns over sacrificing moral absolutes and individual rights for collective happiness.
Situation Ethics:
Overview: Advocates flexibility in moral decisions based on love (agape); compatible with teachings on love and mercy.
Strengths: Allows for compassionate responses in complex moral dilemmas, reflecting Christ's teachings on forgiveness and empathy.
Critiques: Potential for subjective interpretations may undermine consistency and moral standards.
Deontological Ethics:
Overview: Upholds moral duties and commandments as absolute; resonates with biblical teachings on obedience to divine laws.
Strengths: Provides clear moral guidelines rooted in God's commandments, ensuring respect for human dignity.
Critiques: Challenges in reconciling conflicting duties or applying rigid rules in nuanced moral situations.
Virtue Ethics:
Overview: Emphasizes cultivating virtues such as faith, hope, and love; compatible with Christian teachings on character and moral development.
Strengths: Focuses on holistic moral growth and integrity, reflecting Jesus' emphasis on inner righteousness.
Critiques: Difficulty in prioritizing virtues universally; potential for subjective interpretations of virtues like humility or courage.
Utilitarianism:
Overview: Not explicitly endorsed; Islamic ethics center on divine law (Sharia) and intentions rather than outcomes alone.
Strengths: Concept of Maslaha (public interest) aligns with promoting communal well-being and justice.
Critiques: Concerns over potential injustice to individual rights under utilitarian calculations.
Situation Ethics:
Overview: Allows flexibility in applying Sharia principles based on compassion (Rahmah) and justice.
Strengths: Provides scope for contextual adaptation in ethical judgments, reflecting mercy and tolerance in Islamic teachings.
Critiques: Potential for inconsistent judgments and interpretations, challenging uniformity in Sharia application.
Deontological Ethics:
Overview: Emphasizes duty to follow Islamic principles and laws (Halal and Haram), aligning with submission to Allah's will.
Strengths: Provides clear moral imperatives rooted in divine revelation, ensuring adherence to ethical standards.
Critiques: Difficulty in reconciling conflicting duties or applying rigid rules in complex moral scenarios.
Virtue Ethics:
Overview: Focuses on cultivating virtues like compassion (Rahmah), justice (Adl), and patience (Sabr), integral to Islamic moral character.
Strengths: Encourages comprehensive moral development and integrity, reflecting Prophet Muhammad's exemplary character.
Critiques: Challenges in universally defining and prioritizing virtues; potential for subjective interpretations in ethical conduct.
Utilitarianism:
Overview: Not explicitly endorsed; Jewish ethics emphasize adherence to Torah law and ethical principles derived from scripture.
Strengths: Concern for communal welfare and justice aligns with promoting collective well-being.
Critiques: Potential conflicts with Jewish ethical principles of justice and righteousness.
Situation Ethics:
Overview: Allows flexibility in applying Jewish law (Halakha) based on compassionate judgment and moral discretion.
Strengths: Supports ethical decisions rooted in empathy and human dignity, reflecting Jewish teachings on kindness (Chesed).
Critiques: Concerns over consistency and potential deviation from Halakhic norms in complex moral dilemmas.
Deontological Ethics:
Overview: Upholds obedience to Torah commandments (Mitzvot) and ethical principles as moral duties.
Strengths: Provides clear moral guidelines based on divine revelation, ensuring ethical conduct and social justice.
Critiques: Challenges in applying strict rules to diverse ethical situations; potential conflicts between duties.
Virtue Ethics:
Overview: Emphasizes cultivating virtues such as compassion (Rachamim), honesty (Emet), and humility (Anavah) in moral decision-making.
Strengths: Promotes holistic moral development and integrity, reflecting Jewish teachings on ethical behavior.
Critiques: Difficulty in universally defining and prioritizing virtues; potential for subjective interpretations of ethical virtues.
Utilitarianism:
Overview: Not explicitly endorsed; Hindu ethics focus on Dharma (righteous duty) and Karma (action) rather than consequences alone.
Strengths: Concept of Lokasamgraha (welfare of all beings) aligns with promoting social harmony and well-being.
Critiques: Potential for disregarding individual rights or moral absolutes in pursuit of collective happiness.
Situation Ethics:
Overview: Allows flexibility in applying Dharmic principles based on compassion (Karuna) and contextual judgment.
Strengths: Supports compassionate responses in ethical dilemmas, reflecting Hindu teachings on empathy and tolerance.
Critiques: Challenges in maintaining consistency and moral standards across diverse situations.
Deontological Ethics:
Overview: Emphasizes adherence to Dharma (righteous duty) and moral principles derived from scriptures (Vedas) and teachings of sages (Rishis).
Strengths: Provides clear moral imperatives rooted in Hindu religious texts, ensuring ethical conduct and social harmony.
Critiques: Difficulty in reconciling conflicting duties or applying rigid rules to complex ethical dilemmas.
Virtue Ethics:
Overview: Focuses on cultivating virtues such as Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), and Tapas (self-discipline) in ethical decision-making.
Strengths: Encourages moral integrity and spiritual growth, reflecting Hindu teachings on personal and collective well-being.
Critiques: Challenges in universally defining and prioritizing virtues; potential for subjective interpretations in ethical conduct.
Utilitarianism:
Overview: Not explicitly endorsed; Buddhist ethics focus on Karma (action) and the pursuit of Nirvana (liberation) rather than outcomes alone.
Strengths: Emphasis on promoting well-being and reducing suffering aligns with Buddhist teachings on compassion (Karuna) and generosity (Dana).
Critiques: Potential for disregarding individual rights or moral absolutes in pursuit of collective happiness.
Situation Ethics:
Overview: Allows flexibility in applying Buddhist principles based on compassion (Metta) and wisdom (Prajna) in ethical decision-making.
Strengths: Supports compassionate responses in ethical dilemmas, reflecting Buddhist teachings on empathy and non-harming (Ahimsa).
Critiques: Challenges in maintaining consistency and moral standards across diverse situations.
Deontological Ethics:
Overview: Emphasizes adherence to Buddhist precepts (Sila) and moral guidelines derived from the teachings of Buddha (Dharma).
Strengths: Provides clear moral guidelines rooted in the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path, ensuring ethical conduct and spiritual progress.
Critiques: Difficulty in reconciling conflicting duties or applying rigid rules to complex ethical dilemmas.
Virtue Ethics:
Overview: Focuses on cultivating virtues such as compassion (Karuna), mindfulness (Sati), and wisdom (Panna) in ethical decision-making.
Strengths: Promotes moral integrity and spiritual growth, reflecting Buddhist teachings on personal and collective well-being.
Critiques: Challenges in universally defining and prioritizing virtues; potential for subjective interpretations in ethical conduct.
Utilitarianism:
Overview: Not explicitly endorsed; Sikh ethics focus on Sewa (selfless service) and adherence to the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib rather than outcomes alone.
Strengths: Emphasis on promoting communal welfare and social justice aligns with Sikh teachings on equality and compassion.
Critiques: Potential for disregarding individual rights or moral absolutes in pursuit of collective happiness.
Situation Ethics:
Overview: Allows flexibility in applying Sikh principles based on compassion (Daya) and justice (Adolat) in ethical decision-making.
Strengths: Supports compassionate responses in ethical dilemmas, reflecting Sikh teachings on humility and service (Seva).
Critiques: Challenges in maintaining consistency and moral standards across diverse situations.
Deontological Ethics:
Overview: Emphasizes adherence to the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib (Gurbani) and the Sikh code of conduct (Rehat Maryada) as moral duties.
Strengths: Provides clear moral guidelines rooted in Sikh religious texts, ensuring ethical conduct and community harmony.
Critiques: Difficulty in reconciling conflicting duties or applying rigid rules to complex ethical dilemmas.
Virtue Ethics:
Overview: Focuses on cultivating virtues such as humility (Nimrata), honesty (Sach), and courage (Bir Ras) in ethical decision-making.
Strengths: Encourages moral integrity and spiritual growth, reflecting Sikh teachings on personal and collective well-being.
Critiques: Challenges in universally defining and prioritizing virtues; potential for subjective interpretations in ethical conduct.
Abortion:
Generally opposes abortion, emphasizing the sanctity of life from conception.
Views vary; some accept it in cases of rape, incest, or to save the mother's life.
Euthanasia:
Generally opposes euthanasia, emphasizing the sanctity of life and natural death.
Some may accept passive euthanasia (withholding treatment) in certain circumstances.
Cloning:
Concerns over playing God and ethical implications; generally cautious or opposed.
Organ Donation:
Generally supportive if it is voluntary and does not conflict with religious beliefs.
Genetic Engineering:
Caution about altering human nature and potential ethical dilemmas.
Abortion:
Generally opposes abortion after ensoulment (120 days), but views vary.
Acceptance may be considered in cases of severe fetal abnormalities or threat to the mother's life.
Euthanasia:
Generally opposes active euthanasia; passive euthanasia may be considered in limited circumstances.
Cloning:
Concerns over altering God's creation; cautious or opposed.
Organ Donation:
Generally supportive if it is for saving lives and voluntary.
Genetic Engineering:
Generally cautious, with concerns about altering human nature and ethical implications.
Abortion:
Views vary; generally opposes but may consider in cases of serious maternal health risk or fetal abnormalities.
Euthanasia:
Generally opposes euthanasia, emphasizing sanctity of life.
May accept passive euthanasia under strict conditions.
Cloning:
Ethical concerns about playing God; cautious or opposed.
Organ Donation:
Generally supportive, with emphasis on saving lives and voluntary consent.
Genetic Engineering:
Ethical concerns about altering human nature and potential consequences.
Abortion:
Generally opposes, emphasizing Ahimsa (non-violence), but views vary.
May accept in cases of severe fetal abnormalities or threat to maternal health.
Euthanasia:
Generally opposes, emphasizing acceptance of natural death and karma.
Cloning:
Concerns over ethical implications and altering dharma (righteous duty).
Organ Donation:
Generally supportive if it saves lives and is voluntary.
Genetic Engineering:
Caution due to concerns about altering natural order and karma.
Abortion:
Generally opposes, emphasizing non-harm (Ahimsa) and the sanctity of life.
Views vary; may consider in cases of severe fetal abnormalities or maternal health.
Euthanasia:
Generally opposes, emphasizing acceptance of natural death and compassion.
Cloning:
Ethical concerns about altering natural order and karma.
Organ Donation:
Generally supportive if it saves lives and is voluntary, reflecting compassion (Metta).
Genetic Engineering:
Caution due to concerns about altering natural order and ethical implications.
Abortion:
Generally opposes, emphasizing the sanctity of life from conception.
Views vary; may consider in cases of severe fetal abnormalities or maternal health.
Euthanasia:
Generally opposes, emphasizing acceptance of natural death and God's will.
Cloning:
Concerns over ethical implications and altering God's creation.
Organ Donation:
Generally supportive if it saves lives and is voluntary, reflecting compassion (Daya).
Genetic Engineering:
Cautious, with concerns about altering natural order and ethical implications.
Human Rights:
Emphasizes the dignity of every human being as created in the image of God.
Supports human rights advocacy and social justice initiatives.
Social Justice:
Advocates for fair treatment, compassion for the marginalized, and addressing systemic injustices.
Equality and Discrimination:
Encourages equality and opposes discrimination based on race, gender, or other factors.
Views vary; some denominations support LGBTQ+ rights while others oppose.
Wealth and Poverty:
Encourages charity, stewardship of resources, and care for the poor (Matthew 25:35-40).
Crime and Punishment:
Supports justice tempered with mercy; emphasizes rehabilitation and forgiveness.
Environmental Ethics:
Stewardship of creation; responsible use of natural resources.
Views vary; some advocate for strong environmental protection based on Genesis 1:28.
Human Rights:
Emphasizes justice and rights for all individuals; upholds dignity and equality.
Social Justice:
Advocates for fairness, charity (Zakat), and care for the less fortunate.
Equality and Discrimination:
Emphasizes equality before Allah (God); opposes discrimination based on race, but views on gender and sexuality vary.
Wealth and Poverty:
Encourages charity (Zakat) and social responsibility; condemns excessive wealth accumulation.
Crime and Punishment:
Supports justice and accountability; emphasizes forgiveness and reconciliation.
Environmental Ethics:
Stewardship of nature (Khalifa); emphasizes protection of the environment and animal welfare.
Human Rights:
Emphasizes justice (Tzedek) and equality; supports human rights advocacy.
Social Justice:
Advocates for fairness, charity (Tzedakah), and caring for the vulnerable.
Equality and Discrimination:
Emphasizes equality before God (B'tzelem Elohim); opposes discrimination based on race or gender.
Wealth and Poverty:
Encourages charity (Tzedakah) and communal responsibility; condemns exploitation of the poor.
Crime and Punishment:
Emphasizes justice, repentance (Teshuvah), and rehabilitation.
Environmental Ethics:
Stewardship of creation (Bal Tashchit); emphasizes responsibility for the environment and animal welfare.
Human Rights:
Emphasizes respect for all life; supports human dignity and rights.
Social Justice:
Advocates for fairness, charity (Dana), and helping the less fortunate.
Equality and Discrimination:
Emphasizes spiritual equality; opposes discrimination based on caste, but views vary.
Wealth and Poverty:
Encourages charity (Dana) and righteous living (Dharma); condemns greed and exploitation.
Crime and Punishment:
Emphasizes justice (Dharma) and rehabilitation; supports forgiveness and repentance.
Environmental Ethics:
Stewardship of nature (Dharma); emphasizes respect for all life and ecological balance.
Human Rights:
Emphasizes compassion and non-violence; supports human dignity and rights.
Social Justice:
Advocates for fairness, charity (Dana), and helping those in need.
Equality and Discrimination:
Emphasizes spiritual equality; opposes discrimination based on any factor.
Wealth and Poverty:
Encourages charity (Dana) and moderation; condemns attachment to material wealth.
Crime and Punishment:
Emphasizes justice, compassion, and rehabilitation; supports non-violence.
Environmental Ethics:
Stewardship of nature; emphasizes non-harm (Ahimsa) and ecological mindfulness.
Human Rights:
Emphasizes equality and justice (Mirii-Piri); supports human rights and dignity.
Social Justice:
Advocates for equality, charity (Seva), and community service.
Equality and Discrimination:
Emphasizes equality before Waheguru (God); opposes discrimination based on any factor.
Wealth and Poverty:
Encourages charity (Seva) and sharing (Vand Chakna); condemns inequality and greed.
Crime and Punishment:
Emphasizes justice (Hukam), mercy, and rehabilitation; supports forgiveness and repentance.
Environmental Ethics:
Stewardship of creation (Pavan Guru); emphasizes respect for nature and conservation.
Marriage and Divorce:
Marriage is viewed as a sacred union between a man and a woman, reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church.
Generally opposes divorce, emphasizing lifelong commitment and fidelity.
Sexual Relationships:
Emphasizes sexual intimacy within the bounds of marriage; opposes premarital sex and adultery.
Families and Gender Roles:
Views vary; traditionally supports complementary roles within families, with men as providers and women as caregivers.
Contraception and Family Planning:
Views vary; some denominations accept contraception within marriage for family planning, while others oppose it based on procreation principles.
Marriage and Divorce:
Marriage is considered a sacred contract (Nikah) between a man and a woman, emphasizing mutual rights and responsibilities.
Allows divorce (Talaq), though discouraged except in necessary circumstances.
Sexual Relationships:
Emphasizes sexual relations within marriage; prohibits premarital and extramarital relationships.
Families and Gender Roles:
Emphasizes complementary roles within families, with men as providers and women as caregivers; supports family cohesion and respect.
Contraception and Family Planning:
Generally accepts contraception within marriage for family planning, based on preserving health and well-being.
Marriage and Divorce:
Marriage (Kiddushin) is sacred; allows divorce (Get) under specific conditions, emphasizing mutual respect and responsibility.
Views vary; Reform Judaism may accept same-sex marriage, while Orthodox Judaism typically does not.
Sexual Relationships:
Emphasizes sexual intimacy within marriage; prohibits premarital and extramarital relationships.
Families and Gender Roles:
Traditionally supports complementary roles within families, with men as providers and women as caregivers; evolving views on gender roles.
Contraception and Family Planning:
Generally accepts contraception within marriage for family planning, based on responsible parenthood and health considerations.
Marriage and Divorce:
Marriage (Vivaha) is a sacred duty; divorce is discouraged but permitted under specific circumstances, emphasizing mutual respect.
Sexual Relationships:
Emphasizes sexual relations within marriage; discourages premarital and extramarital relationships.
Families and Gender Roles:
Emphasizes complementary roles within families, with men as providers and women as caregivers; evolving views on gender roles.
Contraception and Family Planning:
Generally accepts contraception within marriage for family planning, based on responsible parenthood and health considerations.
Marriage and Divorce:
Views vary; marriage is seen as a social institution rather than a religious sacrament.
Generally accepts divorce if it promotes well-being and peace.
Sexual Relationships:
Emphasizes ethical conduct and mindfulness; discourages attachment and harmful sexual behavior.
Families and Gender Roles:
Emphasizes mutual respect and harmony within families; flexible views on gender roles based on cultural context.
Contraception and Family Planning:
Generally accepts contraception for family planning, based on compassionate living and responsible parenthood.
Marriage and Divorce:
Marriage (Anand Karaj) is sacred; divorce is discouraged but permitted under specific circumstances, emphasizing mutual respect and reconciliation.
Sexual Relationships:
Emphasizes fidelity within marriage; discourages premarital and extramarital relationships.
Families and Gender Roles:
Emphasizes equality and mutual respect within families; challenges traditional gender roles.
Contraception and Family Planning:
Generally accepts contraception within marriage for family planning, based on responsible parenthood and health considerations.
Key Beliefs:
Trinity: Belief in one God in three persons - Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit.
Salvation: Belief that salvation is achieved through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for humanity's sins and was resurrected.
Bible: The holy scripture, comprising the Old Testament and New Testament.
Afterlife: Belief in heaven and hell, with eternal life granted to those who accept Jesus.
Nature of God:
Monotheistic: Belief in one God who is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and omnibenevolent.
Personal: God is involved in the world and accessible through prayer.
Key Figures:
Jesus Christ: Central figure, believed to be the Son of God, the Messiah, whose life and teachings are the foundation of Christianity.
Apostles: Early followers of Jesus who spread his teachings, notably Peter and Paul.
Mary: Mother of Jesus, venerated especially in Catholicism.
Key Beliefs:
Five Pillars: Shahada (faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).
Qur'an: The holy book, believed to be the word of God as revealed to Muhammad.
Hadith: Collections of sayings and actions of Muhammad.
Nature of God:
Monotheistic: Belief in one God (Allah), who is merciful, all-powerful, and transcendent.
Tawhid: The oneness of God, central to Islamic belief.
Key Figures:
Muhammad: The final prophet, who received the revelation of the Qur'an.
Prophets: Including Adam, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, who are respected as messengers of God.
Key Beliefs:
Covenant: The agreement between God and the Jewish people, starting with Abraham.
Torah: The central reference of the religious Judaic tradition, including the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.
Mitzvot: Commandments and laws to be followed by Jews.
Nature of God:
Monotheistic: Belief in one God (Yahweh), who is just and merciful.
Shema: A declaration of the oneness of God, recited in Jewish prayer.
Key Figures:
Abraham: The patriarch who established the covenant with God.
Moses: Led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Torah on Mount Sinai.
David: Second king of Israel, ancestor of the Messiah in Jewish belief.
Key Beliefs:
Dharma: Duty, righteousness, and living in accordance with the cosmic order.
Karma: The law of cause and effect, influencing one's future.
Reincarnation: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of reincarnation, union with the divine.
Nature of God:
Polytheistic: Belief in many gods and goddesses, each representing aspects of the divine.
Brahman: The ultimate reality or world soul, from which all deities and souls originate.
Key Figures:
Brahma: The creator god.
Vishnu: The preserver god, with avatars such as Krishna and Rama.
Shiva: The destroyer god.
Devi: The goddess, representing the feminine aspect of the divine.
Key Beliefs:
Four Noble Truths: Life involves suffering; suffering is caused by desire; ending desire ends suffering; the path to end suffering is the Eightfold Path.
Eightfold Path: A guide to ethical and mental development with the goal of freeing an individual from attachments and delusions.
Nirvana: The ultimate goal, a state of liberation and freedom from suffering.
Nature of God:
Non-theistic: Does not focus on worship of gods but on personal spiritual development and enlightenment.
Key Figures:
Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha): The founder, whose teachings form the basis of Buddhism.
Bodhisattvas: Enlightened beings who delay nirvana to help others achieve it.
Key Beliefs:
Ik Onkar: There is only one God.
Guru Granth Sahib: The central religious scripture.
Five Ks: Articles of faith worn by baptized Sikhs (Kesh, Kara, Kanga, Kacchera, Kirpan).
Seva: Selfless service to others.
Nature of God:
Monotheistic: Belief in one God who is eternal, formless, and the creator of all.
Key Figures:
Guru Nanak: The founder and first of the ten Sikh Gurus.
Ten Gurus: Spiritual leaders who shaped Sikhism, culminating in Guru Gobind Singh who established the Khalsa and declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru.
Worship and Festivals:
Sunday Worship: The primary day for communal worship, often including prayers, hymns, scripture readings, and a sermon.
Christmas: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
Easter: Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
Lent: A 40-day period of fasting and repentance leading up to Easter.
Holy Communion (Eucharist): A sacrament commemorating the Last Supper, where bread and wine are consumed.
Rituals and Ceremonies:
Baptism: A sacrament of initiation, symbolizing purification and admission to the Christian community.
Confirmation: A rite of passage affirming one's faith and membership in the church.
Marriage: A sacrament and covenant between a couple and God.
Funerals: Services to honor the deceased and offer comfort to the bereaved.
Sacred Texts and Their Uses:
Bible: Comprising the Old and New Testaments, used for teaching, guidance, and worship.
Old Testament: Shared with Judaism, includes historical, poetic, and prophetic books.
New Testament: Focuses on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Daily Devotions: Personal or family reading and prayer times.
Places of Worship:
Churches: Buildings where Christians gather for worship, prayer, and community activities.
Cathedrals: Large, often ornate churches, typically the seat of a bishop.
Worship and Festivals:
Daily Prayers (Salah): Performed five times a day facing Mecca.
Ramadan: A month of fasting from dawn until sunset.
Eid al-Fitr: Celebrates the end of Ramadan.
Eid al-Adha: Commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
Rituals and Ceremonies:
Shahada: The declaration of faith, "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger."
Zakat: Giving alms to the needy, one of the Five Pillars.
Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca, required at least once for those who are able.
Circumcision: A common practice symbolizing purity and belonging.
Sacred Texts and Their Uses:
Qur'an: The holy book, considered the literal word of God, recited and memorized.
Hadith: Collections of the sayings and actions of Muhammad, used to guide daily life and law.
Tafsir: Commentaries on the Qur'an to explain and interpret its meanings.
Places of Worship:
Mosques: Places for communal prayers, also serve as community centers.
Kaaba: The most sacred site in Islam, located in Mecca, central to the Hajj pilgrimage.
Worship and Festivals:
Shabbat: The weekly Sabbath from Friday evening to Saturday evening, a time of rest and worship.
Passover (Pesach): Commemorates the Exodus from Egypt.
Yom Kippur: The Day of Atonement, a solemn day of fasting and prayer.
Hanukkah: Celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
Rituals and Ceremonies:
Brit Milah: The circumcision of male infants, performed on the eighth day after birth.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Coming-of-age ceremonies for boys (13) and girls (12 or 13).
Kosher: Dietary laws that prescribe what is permissible to eat and how food should be prepared.
Weddings and Funerals: Rituals to sanctify marriage and honor the deceased.
Sacred Texts and Their Uses:
Torah: The first five books of the Hebrew Bible, central to Jewish worship and law.
Talmud: A compilation of rabbinic teachings and commentary on the Torah.
Tanakh: The Hebrew Bible, comprising the Torah, Prophets (Nevi'im), and Writings (Ketuvim).
Places of Worship:
Synagogues: Centers for worship, study, and community gatherings.
Western Wall: The holiest site in Judaism, located in Jerusalem, a place of prayer and pilgrimage.
Worship and Festivals:
Puja: Daily worship rituals at home or in temples, offering prayers, food, and flowers to deities.
Diwali: The festival of lights, celebrating the victory of light over darkness.
Holi: The festival of colors, celebrating the arrival of spring.
Navaratri: A nine-night festival honoring the goddess Durga.
Rituals and Ceremonies:
Aarti: A ritual of worship with light from wicks soaked in ghee or camphor.
Havan: A fire ritual involving offerings to the fire god Agni.
Samskaras: Rites of passage, including naming, first feeding, and marriage.
Yoga and Meditation: Practices for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Sacred Texts and Their Uses:
Vedas: Ancient scriptures, the oldest and most authoritative texts.
Upanishads: Philosophical texts exploring the nature of reality and the self.
Bhagavad Gita: A dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Krishna on duty and righteousness.
Ramayana and Mahabharata: Epic narratives that teach moral and ethical lessons.
Places of Worship:
Temples (Mandirs): Dedicated to various deities, where rituals and festivals are conducted.
Home Shrines: Personal altars for daily worship and prayer.
Worship and Festivals:
Meditation (Dhyana): Central practice to develop mindfulness and concentration.
Vesak: Celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha.
Asalha Puja: Marks the Buddha's first sermon.
Uposatha: Observance days for renewing commitment to Buddhist practices.
Rituals and Ceremonies:
Taking Refuge: Declaring commitment to the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (community).
Precepts: Ethical guidelines for lay Buddhists and monks.
Offering Alms: Giving food and other necessities to monks.
Ordination: The ceremony for becoming a monk or nun.
Sacred Texts and Their Uses:
Tripitaka (Pali Canon): The primary scriptures, including the teachings of the Buddha.
Sutras: Discourses attributed to the Buddha, used for study and recitation.
Commentaries and Treatises: Scholarly works explaining and interpreting the teachings.
Places of Worship:
Monasteries (Viharas): Communities for monks and nuns, centers of teaching and meditation.
Stupas: Structures containing relics of the Buddha or other revered figures.
Temples: Places for worship, meditation, and community gatherings.
Worship and Festivals:
Daily Prayers (Nitnem): Recitation of prayers in the morning, evening, and before bed.
Gurpurbs: Celebrations of the anniversaries of the births and deaths of the Gurus.
Vaisakhi: Marks the founding of the Khalsa.
Diwali (Bandi Chhor Divas): Commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Ji and other prisoners.
Rituals and Ceremonies:
Amrit Sanskar: The initiation ceremony for joining the Khalsa.
Langar: Community kitchen serving free meals to all, emphasizing equality.
Anand Karaj: The Sikh marriage ceremony.
Akhand Path: Continuous, uninterrupted reading of the Guru Granth Sahib.
Sacred Texts and Their Uses:
Guru Granth Sahib: The central religious scripture, treated with utmost respect, recited and sung in Gurdwaras.
Dasam Granth: Writings attributed to Guru Gobind Singh.
Rehat Maryada: The code of conduct for Sikhs.
Places of Worship:
Gurdwaras: Sikh temples where worship, community activities, and langar take place.
Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib): The holiest Gurdwara, located in Amritsar, India.
Causes: Economic competition, territorial disputes, ideological differences, resource scarcity, nationalism, religious tensions.
Effects: Loss of life, displacement of populations, destruction of infrastructure, economic instability, long-term social and psychological trauma.
Christianity: "Blessed are the peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9). Emphasis on forgiveness, reconciliation, and love for enemies.
Islam: Promotes peace (Salaam) as a core value, with teachings on justice and compassion. Encourages efforts to resolve conflicts peacefully.
Judaism: Values peace (Shalom) and justice, with teachings on reconciliation and communal harmony.
Hinduism: Emphasizes Ahimsa (non-violence) and Dharma (righteousness), promoting peace and harmony.
Buddhism: Advocates for non-violence (Ahimsa) and compassion (Metta), with practices focused on inner peace and conflict resolution.
Sikhism: Teaches the value of peace (Sukh), compassion, and service (Seva), denouncing violence and promoting equality.
Definition: Third-party intervention to facilitate dialogue and negotiation between conflicting parties.
Purpose: Helps disputing parties communicate effectively, understand each other's perspectives, and work towards mutually agreeable solutions.
Examples: United Nations peacekeeping missions, community mediators, international mediation efforts in diplomatic conflicts.
Definition: Negotiation between conflicting parties to achieve peaceful resolutions without resorting to violence.
Purpose: Involves skilled negotiation, compromise, and the use of diplomatic channels to prevent escalation and promote understanding.
Examples: Diplomatic negotiations between countries, peace talks mediated by international organizations like the UN or regional bodies.
Definition: Processes that emphasize repairing harm caused by conflict and fostering reconciliation between offenders, victims, and affected communities.
Purpose: Focuses on accountability, healing, and restoring relationships through dialogue, restitution, and community involvement.
Examples: Victim-offender mediation, community conferencing, Truth and Reconciliation Commissions (e.g., South Africa).
Definition: Ethical framework for evaluating when and how war can be justified.
Criteria: Includes just cause (e.g., self-defense), proportionality (use of force proportional to the threat), legitimate authority, and last resort (all peaceful alternatives exhausted).
Application: Guides decision-making on declaring war, conducting warfare, and post-war justice.
Examples: Debate over wars like World War II, interventions for humanitarian purposes, and responses to terrorism.
Definition: Historical conflicts believed to have religious sanction or purpose, often controversial and debated within religious contexts.
Examples: Crusades in medieval Europe, Jihad (struggle or striving) in Islam, religious conflicts in ancient and modern times.
Controversy: Debate over the religious legitimacy of war, interpretation of religious texts, and the role of faith in justifying violence.
Definition: Belief in the rejection of violence as a means to achieve goals, emphasizing peaceful alternatives and non-aggression.
Examples: Quaker pacifism, Christian pacifist movements, opposition to war and military service based on conscientious objection.
Definition: Active resistance to oppression or injustice without resorting to violence, inspired by religious teachings and moral principles.
Examples: Gandhi's nonviolent resistance against British colonial rule (Satyagraha), Martin Luther King Jr.'s civil rights movement, peaceful protests and demonstrations.
Definition: Methods and processes to peacefully address and resolve disputes, promoting understanding, reconciliation, and cooperation.
Approaches: Negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and consensus-building among parties involved in conflict.
Examples: Conflict resolution workshops, peacebuilding initiatives in post-conflict societies, community-based dialogue programs.
Definition: A central theme in religious teachings involving letting go of resentment and seeking reconciliation for healing and peace.
Purpose: Promotes emotional healing, reconciliation, and rebuilding trust among individuals and communities affected by conflict.
Examples: Practices of forgiveness in Christianity (e.g., forgiving sins), Buddhist teachings on compassion and forgiveness, reconciliation efforts in conflict-affected regions.
Utilitarianism:
Overview: Not explicitly endorsed; ethical decisions often based on biblical teachings and principles rather than consequences alone.
Strengths: Emphasis on promoting well-being aligns with Christian values of love and compassion for others.
Critiques: Concerns over sacrificing moral absolutes and individual rights for collective happiness.
Situation Ethics:
Overview: Advocates flexibility in moral decisions based on love (agape); compatible with teachings on love and mercy.
Strengths: Allows for compassionate responses in complex moral dilemmas, reflecting Christ's teachings on forgiveness and empathy.
Critiques: Potential for subjective interpretations may undermine consistency and moral standards.
Deontological Ethics:
Overview: Upholds moral duties and commandments as absolute; resonates with biblical teachings on obedience to divine laws.
Strengths: Provides clear moral guidelines rooted in God's commandments, ensuring respect for human dignity.
Critiques: Challenges in reconciling conflicting duties or applying rigid rules in nuanced moral situations.
Virtue Ethics:
Overview: Emphasizes cultivating virtues such as faith, hope, and love; compatible with Christian teachings on character and moral development.
Strengths: Focuses on holistic moral growth and integrity, reflecting Jesus' emphasis on inner righteousness.
Critiques: Difficulty in prioritizing virtues universally; potential for subjective interpretations of virtues like humility or courage.
Utilitarianism:
Overview: Not explicitly endorsed; Islamic ethics center on divine law (Sharia) and intentions rather than outcomes alone.
Strengths: Concept of Maslaha (public interest) aligns with promoting communal well-being and justice.
Critiques: Concerns over potential injustice to individual rights under utilitarian calculations.
Situation Ethics:
Overview: Allows flexibility in applying Sharia principles based on compassion (Rahmah) and justice.
Strengths: Provides scope for contextual adaptation in ethical judgments, reflecting mercy and tolerance in Islamic teachings.
Critiques: Potential for inconsistent judgments and interpretations, challenging uniformity in Sharia application.
Deontological Ethics:
Overview: Emphasizes duty to follow Islamic principles and laws (Halal and Haram), aligning with submission to Allah's will.
Strengths: Provides clear moral imperatives rooted in divine revelation, ensuring adherence to ethical standards.
Critiques: Difficulty in reconciling conflicting duties or applying rigid rules in complex moral scenarios.
Virtue Ethics:
Overview: Focuses on cultivating virtues like compassion (Rahmah), justice (Adl), and patience (Sabr), integral to Islamic moral character.
Strengths: Encourages comprehensive moral development and integrity, reflecting Prophet Muhammad's exemplary character.
Critiques: Challenges in universally defining and prioritizing virtues; potential for subjective interpretations in ethical conduct.
Utilitarianism:
Overview: Not explicitly endorsed; Jewish ethics emphasize adherence to Torah law and ethical principles derived from scripture.
Strengths: Concern for communal welfare and justice aligns with promoting collective well-being.
Critiques: Potential conflicts with Jewish ethical principles of justice and righteousness.
Situation Ethics:
Overview: Allows flexibility in applying Jewish law (Halakha) based on compassionate judgment and moral discretion.
Strengths: Supports ethical decisions rooted in empathy and human dignity, reflecting Jewish teachings on kindness (Chesed).
Critiques: Concerns over consistency and potential deviation from Halakhic norms in complex moral dilemmas.
Deontological Ethics:
Overview: Upholds obedience to Torah commandments (Mitzvot) and ethical principles as moral duties.
Strengths: Provides clear moral guidelines based on divine revelation, ensuring ethical conduct and social justice.
Critiques: Challenges in applying strict rules to diverse ethical situations; potential conflicts between duties.
Virtue Ethics:
Overview: Emphasizes cultivating virtues such as compassion (Rachamim), honesty (Emet), and humility (Anavah) in moral decision-making.
Strengths: Promotes holistic moral development and integrity, reflecting Jewish teachings on ethical behavior.
Critiques: Difficulty in universally defining and prioritizing virtues; potential for subjective interpretations of ethical virtues.
Utilitarianism:
Overview: Not explicitly endorsed; Hindu ethics focus on Dharma (righteous duty) and Karma (action) rather than consequences alone.
Strengths: Concept of Lokasamgraha (welfare of all beings) aligns with promoting social harmony and well-being.
Critiques: Potential for disregarding individual rights or moral absolutes in pursuit of collective happiness.
Situation Ethics:
Overview: Allows flexibility in applying Dharmic principles based on compassion (Karuna) and contextual judgment.
Strengths: Supports compassionate responses in ethical dilemmas, reflecting Hindu teachings on empathy and tolerance.
Critiques: Challenges in maintaining consistency and moral standards across diverse situations.
Deontological Ethics:
Overview: Emphasizes adherence to Dharma (righteous duty) and moral principles derived from scriptures (Vedas) and teachings of sages (Rishis).
Strengths: Provides clear moral imperatives rooted in Hindu religious texts, ensuring ethical conduct and social harmony.
Critiques: Difficulty in reconciling conflicting duties or applying rigid rules to complex ethical dilemmas.
Virtue Ethics:
Overview: Focuses on cultivating virtues such as Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), and Tapas (self-discipline) in ethical decision-making.
Strengths: Encourages moral integrity and spiritual growth, reflecting Hindu teachings on personal and collective well-being.
Critiques: Challenges in universally defining and prioritizing virtues; potential for subjective interpretations in ethical conduct.
Utilitarianism:
Overview: Not explicitly endorsed; Buddhist ethics focus on Karma (action) and the pursuit of Nirvana (liberation) rather than outcomes alone.
Strengths: Emphasis on promoting well-being and reducing suffering aligns with Buddhist teachings on compassion (Karuna) and generosity (Dana).
Critiques: Potential for disregarding individual rights or moral absolutes in pursuit of collective happiness.
Situation Ethics:
Overview: Allows flexibility in applying Buddhist principles based on compassion (Metta) and wisdom (Prajna) in ethical decision-making.
Strengths: Supports compassionate responses in ethical dilemmas, reflecting Buddhist teachings on empathy and non-harming (Ahimsa).
Critiques: Challenges in maintaining consistency and moral standards across diverse situations.
Deontological Ethics:
Overview: Emphasizes adherence to Buddhist precepts (Sila) and moral guidelines derived from the teachings of Buddha (Dharma).
Strengths: Provides clear moral guidelines rooted in the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path, ensuring ethical conduct and spiritual progress.
Critiques: Difficulty in reconciling conflicting duties or applying rigid rules to complex ethical dilemmas.
Virtue Ethics:
Overview: Focuses on cultivating virtues such as compassion (Karuna), mindfulness (Sati), and wisdom (Panna) in ethical decision-making.
Strengths: Promotes moral integrity and spiritual growth, reflecting Buddhist teachings on personal and collective well-being.
Critiques: Challenges in universally defining and prioritizing virtues; potential for subjective interpretations in ethical conduct.
Utilitarianism:
Overview: Not explicitly endorsed; Sikh ethics focus on Sewa (selfless service) and adherence to the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib rather than outcomes alone.
Strengths: Emphasis on promoting communal welfare and social justice aligns with Sikh teachings on equality and compassion.
Critiques: Potential for disregarding individual rights or moral absolutes in pursuit of collective happiness.
Situation Ethics:
Overview: Allows flexibility in applying Sikh principles based on compassion (Daya) and justice (Adolat) in ethical decision-making.
Strengths: Supports compassionate responses in ethical dilemmas, reflecting Sikh teachings on humility and service (Seva).
Critiques: Challenges in maintaining consistency and moral standards across diverse situations.
Deontological Ethics:
Overview: Emphasizes adherence to the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib (Gurbani) and the Sikh code of conduct (Rehat Maryada) as moral duties.
Strengths: Provides clear moral guidelines rooted in Sikh religious texts, ensuring ethical conduct and community harmony.
Critiques: Difficulty in reconciling conflicting duties or applying rigid rules to complex ethical dilemmas.
Virtue Ethics:
Overview: Focuses on cultivating virtues such as humility (Nimrata), honesty (Sach), and courage (Bir Ras) in ethical decision-making.
Strengths: Encourages moral integrity and spiritual growth, reflecting Sikh teachings on personal and collective well-being.
Critiques: Challenges in universally defining and prioritizing virtues; potential for subjective interpretations in ethical conduct.
Abortion:
Generally opposes abortion, emphasizing the sanctity of life from conception.
Views vary; some accept it in cases of rape, incest, or to save the mother's life.
Euthanasia:
Generally opposes euthanasia, emphasizing the sanctity of life and natural death.
Some may accept passive euthanasia (withholding treatment) in certain circumstances.
Cloning:
Concerns over playing God and ethical implications; generally cautious or opposed.
Organ Donation:
Generally supportive if it is voluntary and does not conflict with religious beliefs.
Genetic Engineering:
Caution about altering human nature and potential ethical dilemmas.
Abortion:
Generally opposes abortion after ensoulment (120 days), but views vary.
Acceptance may be considered in cases of severe fetal abnormalities or threat to the mother's life.
Euthanasia:
Generally opposes active euthanasia; passive euthanasia may be considered in limited circumstances.
Cloning:
Concerns over altering God's creation; cautious or opposed.
Organ Donation:
Generally supportive if it is for saving lives and voluntary.
Genetic Engineering:
Generally cautious, with concerns about altering human nature and ethical implications.
Abortion:
Views vary; generally opposes but may consider in cases of serious maternal health risk or fetal abnormalities.
Euthanasia:
Generally opposes euthanasia, emphasizing sanctity of life.
May accept passive euthanasia under strict conditions.
Cloning:
Ethical concerns about playing God; cautious or opposed.
Organ Donation:
Generally supportive, with emphasis on saving lives and voluntary consent.
Genetic Engineering:
Ethical concerns about altering human nature and potential consequences.
Abortion:
Generally opposes, emphasizing Ahimsa (non-violence), but views vary.
May accept in cases of severe fetal abnormalities or threat to maternal health.
Euthanasia:
Generally opposes, emphasizing acceptance of natural death and karma.
Cloning:
Concerns over ethical implications and altering dharma (righteous duty).
Organ Donation:
Generally supportive if it saves lives and is voluntary.
Genetic Engineering:
Caution due to concerns about altering natural order and karma.
Abortion:
Generally opposes, emphasizing non-harm (Ahimsa) and the sanctity of life.
Views vary; may consider in cases of severe fetal abnormalities or maternal health.
Euthanasia:
Generally opposes, emphasizing acceptance of natural death and compassion.
Cloning:
Ethical concerns about altering natural order and karma.
Organ Donation:
Generally supportive if it saves lives and is voluntary, reflecting compassion (Metta).
Genetic Engineering:
Caution due to concerns about altering natural order and ethical implications.
Abortion:
Generally opposes, emphasizing the sanctity of life from conception.
Views vary; may consider in cases of severe fetal abnormalities or maternal health.
Euthanasia:
Generally opposes, emphasizing acceptance of natural death and God's will.
Cloning:
Concerns over ethical implications and altering God's creation.
Organ Donation:
Generally supportive if it saves lives and is voluntary, reflecting compassion (Daya).
Genetic Engineering:
Cautious, with concerns about altering natural order and ethical implications.
Human Rights:
Emphasizes the dignity of every human being as created in the image of God.
Supports human rights advocacy and social justice initiatives.
Social Justice:
Advocates for fair treatment, compassion for the marginalized, and addressing systemic injustices.
Equality and Discrimination:
Encourages equality and opposes discrimination based on race, gender, or other factors.
Views vary; some denominations support LGBTQ+ rights while others oppose.
Wealth and Poverty:
Encourages charity, stewardship of resources, and care for the poor (Matthew 25:35-40).
Crime and Punishment:
Supports justice tempered with mercy; emphasizes rehabilitation and forgiveness.
Environmental Ethics:
Stewardship of creation; responsible use of natural resources.
Views vary; some advocate for strong environmental protection based on Genesis 1:28.
Human Rights:
Emphasizes justice and rights for all individuals; upholds dignity and equality.
Social Justice:
Advocates for fairness, charity (Zakat), and care for the less fortunate.
Equality and Discrimination:
Emphasizes equality before Allah (God); opposes discrimination based on race, but views on gender and sexuality vary.
Wealth and Poverty:
Encourages charity (Zakat) and social responsibility; condemns excessive wealth accumulation.
Crime and Punishment:
Supports justice and accountability; emphasizes forgiveness and reconciliation.
Environmental Ethics:
Stewardship of nature (Khalifa); emphasizes protection of the environment and animal welfare.
Human Rights:
Emphasizes justice (Tzedek) and equality; supports human rights advocacy.
Social Justice:
Advocates for fairness, charity (Tzedakah), and caring for the vulnerable.
Equality and Discrimination:
Emphasizes equality before God (B'tzelem Elohim); opposes discrimination based on race or gender.
Wealth and Poverty:
Encourages charity (Tzedakah) and communal responsibility; condemns exploitation of the poor.
Crime and Punishment:
Emphasizes justice, repentance (Teshuvah), and rehabilitation.
Environmental Ethics:
Stewardship of creation (Bal Tashchit); emphasizes responsibility for the environment and animal welfare.
Human Rights:
Emphasizes respect for all life; supports human dignity and rights.
Social Justice:
Advocates for fairness, charity (Dana), and helping the less fortunate.
Equality and Discrimination:
Emphasizes spiritual equality; opposes discrimination based on caste, but views vary.
Wealth and Poverty:
Encourages charity (Dana) and righteous living (Dharma); condemns greed and exploitation.
Crime and Punishment:
Emphasizes justice (Dharma) and rehabilitation; supports forgiveness and repentance.
Environmental Ethics:
Stewardship of nature (Dharma); emphasizes respect for all life and ecological balance.
Human Rights:
Emphasizes compassion and non-violence; supports human dignity and rights.
Social Justice:
Advocates for fairness, charity (Dana), and helping those in need.
Equality and Discrimination:
Emphasizes spiritual equality; opposes discrimination based on any factor.
Wealth and Poverty:
Encourages charity (Dana) and moderation; condemns attachment to material wealth.
Crime and Punishment:
Emphasizes justice, compassion, and rehabilitation; supports non-violence.
Environmental Ethics:
Stewardship of nature; emphasizes non-harm (Ahimsa) and ecological mindfulness.
Human Rights:
Emphasizes equality and justice (Mirii-Piri); supports human rights and dignity.
Social Justice:
Advocates for equality, charity (Seva), and community service.
Equality and Discrimination:
Emphasizes equality before Waheguru (God); opposes discrimination based on any factor.
Wealth and Poverty:
Encourages charity (Seva) and sharing (Vand Chakna); condemns inequality and greed.
Crime and Punishment:
Emphasizes justice (Hukam), mercy, and rehabilitation; supports forgiveness and repentance.
Environmental Ethics:
Stewardship of creation (Pavan Guru); emphasizes respect for nature and conservation.
Marriage and Divorce:
Marriage is viewed as a sacred union between a man and a woman, reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church.
Generally opposes divorce, emphasizing lifelong commitment and fidelity.
Sexual Relationships:
Emphasizes sexual intimacy within the bounds of marriage; opposes premarital sex and adultery.
Families and Gender Roles:
Views vary; traditionally supports complementary roles within families, with men as providers and women as caregivers.
Contraception and Family Planning:
Views vary; some denominations accept contraception within marriage for family planning, while others oppose it based on procreation principles.
Marriage and Divorce:
Marriage is considered a sacred contract (Nikah) between a man and a woman, emphasizing mutual rights and responsibilities.
Allows divorce (Talaq), though discouraged except in necessary circumstances.
Sexual Relationships:
Emphasizes sexual relations within marriage; prohibits premarital and extramarital relationships.
Families and Gender Roles:
Emphasizes complementary roles within families, with men as providers and women as caregivers; supports family cohesion and respect.
Contraception and Family Planning:
Generally accepts contraception within marriage for family planning, based on preserving health and well-being.
Marriage and Divorce:
Marriage (Kiddushin) is sacred; allows divorce (Get) under specific conditions, emphasizing mutual respect and responsibility.
Views vary; Reform Judaism may accept same-sex marriage, while Orthodox Judaism typically does not.
Sexual Relationships:
Emphasizes sexual intimacy within marriage; prohibits premarital and extramarital relationships.
Families and Gender Roles:
Traditionally supports complementary roles within families, with men as providers and women as caregivers; evolving views on gender roles.
Contraception and Family Planning:
Generally accepts contraception within marriage for family planning, based on responsible parenthood and health considerations.
Marriage and Divorce:
Marriage (Vivaha) is a sacred duty; divorce is discouraged but permitted under specific circumstances, emphasizing mutual respect.
Sexual Relationships:
Emphasizes sexual relations within marriage; discourages premarital and extramarital relationships.
Families and Gender Roles:
Emphasizes complementary roles within families, with men as providers and women as caregivers; evolving views on gender roles.
Contraception and Family Planning:
Generally accepts contraception within marriage for family planning, based on responsible parenthood and health considerations.
Marriage and Divorce:
Views vary; marriage is seen as a social institution rather than a religious sacrament.
Generally accepts divorce if it promotes well-being and peace.
Sexual Relationships:
Emphasizes ethical conduct and mindfulness; discourages attachment and harmful sexual behavior.
Families and Gender Roles:
Emphasizes mutual respect and harmony within families; flexible views on gender roles based on cultural context.
Contraception and Family Planning:
Generally accepts contraception for family planning, based on compassionate living and responsible parenthood.
Marriage and Divorce:
Marriage (Anand Karaj) is sacred; divorce is discouraged but permitted under specific circumstances, emphasizing mutual respect and reconciliation.
Sexual Relationships:
Emphasizes fidelity within marriage; discourages premarital and extramarital relationships.
Families and Gender Roles:
Emphasizes equality and mutual respect within families; challenges traditional gender roles.
Contraception and Family Planning:
Generally accepts contraception within marriage for family planning, based on responsible parenthood and health considerations.
