Religion and Global Ethics

Abstract

Abstract Religion can be a destructive as well as a positive force in the world. Religious disagreements often breed distrust, hatred, and violence. However, the religions also promote peace, advocate for human rights, and offer relief to those in need. The effects of religion are nowhere more apparent that in the global arena ( see Globalization). We need to understand, and ultimately shape, the actions of religious adherents in order to ensure that religious convictions are more positive than negative in our global times. The contribution of religion to global ethics and, conversely, the importance of global ethics for religious practice is the topic of this essay. Insofar as global ethics conceives of the scope of moral responsibility to include present and future life not limited by specific relations or communities, then several questions come to the fore ( see Responsibility). What do the religions think are substantial obligations to distant and future others? What is the content of those obligations? How demanding are they and how are they justified, religiously and ethically? How well do the religions fulfill ethical responsibilities?