Beliefs and Teachings

Christianity

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.

Islam

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.

Judaism

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.

Hinduism

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.

Buddhism

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.

Sikhism

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.

Practices

Christianity

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.

Islam

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.

Judaism

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.

Hinduism

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.

Buddhism

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.

Sikhism

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.

Peace and Conflict

Causes and Effects of War:

• 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.

Religious Teachings on Peace:

• 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.

Peace-Making and Reconciliation

Mediation

• 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.

Diplomacy

• 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.

Restorative Justice

• 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).

Just War Theory and Holy Wars

Just War Theory

• 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.

Holy Wars

• 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.

Pacifism and Non-Violence

Pacifism

• 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.

Non-Violence

• 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.

Conflict Resolution and Forgiveness

Conflict Resolution

• 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.

Forgiveness

• 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.

Ethical Theories in Major World Religions

Christianity

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.

Islam

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.

Judaism

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.

Hinduism

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.

Buddhism

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.

Sikhism

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.

Overview of how major world religions approach various issues in Medical Ethics

Christianity

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.

Islam

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.

Judaism

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.

Hinduism

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.

Buddhism

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.

Sikhism

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.

Overview of how major world religions approach various issues in Social Ethics

Christianity

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.

Islam

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.

Judaism

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.

Hinduism

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.

Buddhism

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.

Sikhism

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.

Overview of how major world religions approach various issues to Relation and Families

Christianity

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.

Islam

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.

Judaism

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.

Hinduism

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.

Buddhism

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.

Sikhism

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.