Can we be good without God? "Religion alone, many researchers agree, does not determine personal moral behavior. (Conyers, Harvey 63)." Although I am religious in my beliefs, I believe that that are many factors, beyond religion, that can determine an individuals morality. An individuals moral beliefs can be molded from numerous factors, such as the way they were raised, the household and surroundings they were raised in, past experiences, and the influential people in their lives. The article by Conyers and Harvey stated that even certain social groups in ones upbringing can mold behavior and determine whether a person will behave morally (Conyers, Harvey 64). The moral values a person holds and whether they are based off of their faith in God, is entirely based on the individual.
I personally believe that my morals and values coincide with my faith and my religious values make me a better person. I live my life, upon these beliefs. I believe in doing good deeds without personal rewards. However, I do not feel that one has to be religious to do these good deeds. I also do not believe in the idea that crime and religion are associated with eachother. Consider the ten commandments; Thou shall not steal , Thou shall not kill....many of the laws we have today are based upon these very commandments. I believe that God is a foundation for many of the laws and values that we consider moral. Which brings my question...without this foundation, how would we have a base of judging what is immoral and what is moral?
Since this foundation does exist, and having been raised in a Catholic household, I firmly believe God as well exist, hence my personal morals are stronger because of him. However, I do believe that one can be "good" without God. A persons moral values depend entirely on the individual.
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