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How morality plays a role in the betterment of society
There are cases when religious organizations do not consider the good or well-being of others, but many religious organizations care about the human experience and desire to promote more economically kind and just conditions for those less fortunate.
“Schnable’s analysis of the landscape of grassroots NGOs confirms that almost all NGOs, not only the explicitly “faith-based” ones, employ religious frames, networks, and modes of action” (Offutt 212).
Consider the goal of many non-profit organizations; they desire to help others in some capacity; it is not profit-driven or for the benefit of its originators. The foundational attitude of many non-profits is one of moral responsibility – to add value and good to the world.
“Indeed, some religions have begun to claim to be the source and the foundation, the progenitors, of the human rights idea, of the idea of human dignity that underlies it, of the commitment to justice that pervades it of the bulk of its content. They have come to see human rights as natural rights rooted in natural law, natural law religiously inspired” (Henkin, 236).
Do religious organizations sit at the foundation of human rights? In many cases, yes. A perfect example is Martin Luther King, a devout Christian who led the movement for Civil Rights and frequently partnered with religious organizations to benefit the greater good. The moralistic aspect of religion is intricately intertwined at the root of any worthy cause regarding human rights.
To be good often equates to doing good for others (a common thread in religion), which also includes improving economic conditions. “Religious texts such as the Bible and the Qur’an offer both encouragement for […] on economic pursuits” (Offutt 212).
Works Cited
Offutt, Stephen, et al. “Religion, poverty, and development.” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, vol. 55, no. 2, June 2016, pp. 207–215.
Henkin, Louis. “Religion, Religions, and Human Rights.” The Journal of Religious Ethics, vol. 26, no. 2, Jan. 1998, pp. 229–239
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