Values in Society and Religion

Exam Revision from the year 2019 in the subject Philosophy - Miscellaneous, Islamic University College Ghana, course: RELIGION AND HUMAN VALUES, language: English, abstract: This course examines the basic human values in selected religions around the globe. It projects some acceptable and non-acceptable values within society; and guides to the role of religion in each of these values. Human values are social and ethical norms common to all cultures and societies as well as religions. By helping social norms to be internalized, values are indirectly sources of relationship behaviour. Likewise, cultural traditions, religion and language have different meanings that shape beliefs and influence social life. Thus, it seems important to reevaluate the role of values in social life in a society which is extremely distinguishable in religious terms.

They represent a melding of social progress, justice and spiritual growth. Practices are also time-bound, dictating how you should dress, what name you are to take, what you can eat, how many wives you may have, how a person should be punished if they make some mistake. In all traditions you find practices like these that were necessary at the time they were instituted, but they may no longer serve a good purpose today. In the Qur¿an, it is prescribed that if someone steals, their hand must be cut off. At one time a Christian who wanted to be religious had to take a vow of poverty. Jains were not allowed to touch money (this dilemma was solved by having someone accompany them to carry their money for them). Jews could do no work on the Sabbath. Those who follow this rule today cannot turn on a light switch.