MORAL AND ETHICAL DEVELOPMENT IN SOCIETY — Inter-faith Partnership

MORAL AND ETHICAL DEVELOPMENT IN SOCIETY A LL the major religions have two different aspects to them — theology and the moral scheme. Theology means the set of beliefs or doctrinal base of a religion; in other words, the inner contents of a religion. Whereas, the moral scheme of a religion refers to its ethical system. In terms of theology, there are differences between religions. For example, some religions have the monistic concept of God, while other religions believe in the monotheistic concept of God. Differences lead to intellectual exchange and intellectual development. Differences of this kind have always been the subject of discussion among theologians and no doubt, they will continue to be so in the future. But like other intellectual discussions about differences, these are basically confined to scholars, having nothing to do with the common people. Most people can live out their daily lives without concerning themselves with, or even without knowing about these issues. These issues are the concern of a few individuals and not of the majority of any society. However, these differences are not simply matters about which people are at odds with each other; they also have a positive role to play. Differences invite discussions, lead to intellectual exchange and necessitate knowing more and more about one’s own religion as well as the religion of others. Thus, differences, in terms of results, leads to intellectual development, enhancing the level of thinking. It leads to overall development in religious disciplines. In fact, difference is not an unwanted evil. On the contrary, it is a great good. Difference has a positive role in religious studies. The other aspect of any religion is its ethical system. That is, the standard of moral conduct. In this area, there is little difference between religions. Almost all the religions preach the same moral values to be followed in the daily life of a man or a woman. There are two main branches of religions: the Aryan religions and the