Researchers in a contemporary project
called Explaining Religion spent three years collecting information about the
influence of religion on morality. “In particular, the project’s researchers
have studied the ideas of just deserts, of divine disapproval and of the nature
of religious ritual. One theory of the origin of religion is that it underpins
the extraordinary capacity for collaboration that led to the rise of Homo
sapiens. A feature of many religions is the idea that evil is divinely
punished and virtue is rewarded. Cheats or the greedy, in other words, get
their just deserts. The selflessness which that belief encourages might help
explain religions’ evolution.”
The late ethicist Rushworth Kidder explained the importance of
moral courage in living the ethical life. He said courageous leaders have a
high tolerance for three things: ambiguity, public exposure and personal risk.
“Envision a Venn diagram where the circles represent principles, danger and endurance.
Moral courage exists at the intersection of those three things. Moral courage
is being willing to endure significant danger for the sake of your principles,”
he explained.
“Everywhere you go and ask 'What are the most important moral
values?,' you get similar answers," said Dr. Kidder. “Honesty,
responsibility, respect, fairness and compassion are common answers. There is
no difference in the values held by men and women or English speakers and not,
those who are deeply religious and those who are not religious.” He said in a
values-challenged age, the difference between talking about ethics and acting
ethically is summed up in two words: moral courage.
Read more in Threes, Chapter 4 “Threes in Religion and Mythology"
