Two Recent Examples of Religious Ethics in Current Events
1. The U.S. Political Debate on Abortion
The reversal of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court in 2022 and subsequent state-level legislative battles have brought religious ethics to the forefront of the American political landscape. This issue is not simply a legal or medical one; it is deeply rooted in religious beliefs about the sanctity of life, the beginning of personhood, and a woman’s bodily autonomy.
Religious Ethics’ Role: For many adherents of conservative Christian denominations, particularly some evangelical Protestants and Catholics, the sanctity of life is a core ethical principle. This belief posits that life begins at conception and is a sacred gift from God, making abortion the termination of a human life and therefore a moral evil. This viewpoint is not merely a personal conviction; it has driven powerful political movements and activism aimed at enshrining this ethical stance into law. Organizations and lobbyists, often backed by religious institutions, have worked for decades to elect politicians who share their views. Conversely, other religious traditions, including some Jewish denominations and liberal Protestants, hold different ethical positions. They argue for a woman’s right to choose, citing principles of compassion and the complexity of individual circumstances. For example, some Jewish teachings emphasize that life begins at birth, not conception, and prioritize the life and well-being of the mother. The ethical debate, therefore, is not between “religious” and “secular,” but between competing religious and ethical frameworks. The legal outcome reflects the successful application of a specific religious ethical viewpoint onto the public policy of the entire nation.
2. The Global Response to Climate Change
The global climate crisis is increasingly being framed as a moral and ethical issue, with religious leaders and organizations playing a pivotal role. For many faith groups, addressing climate change is seen as a matter of religious duty.
Religious Ethics’ Role: Many world religions have foundational ethical principles related to stewardship and creation care. This ethical framework holds that humanity is entrusted with the responsibility to be a good steward of God’s creation—the Earth and its ecosystems. From a religious perspective, the degradation of the environment is not just an ecological problem; it is a moral failure and a sin against both God and future generations. The concept of environmental justice is also central to this. Religious organizations, such as the World Council of Churches and the Parliament of the World’s Religions, often point out that the effects of climate change disproportionately harm the poor and marginalized, who are the least responsible for it. This appeals to ethical principles of compassion and justice found in nearly all major faiths. Religious leaders have used their moral authority to advocate for policy changes, call for divestment from fossil fuels, and mobilize their communities for climate activism. Their involvement shifts the debate from a purely scientific or economic one to a profoundly ethical one, compelling adherents to act based on their core beliefs.
