The Relationship Between Morality and Religion in the...

The Relationship Between Morality and Religion In the Dalai Lama and John Pope II Perspective The complexities on the issue of the relationship between religion and morality is intriguing in the sense that there is no right or wrong answer, but merely your own intrinsic belief. The 14th Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, believes that you cant have religion without morals, but you can have morals without religion. This seems to contrast with the view of John Paul II, in the sense that he passionately believes that moral truth is governed by only God himself. â€Å"To ask about the good, in fact, ultimately means to turn towards God, the fullness of goodness. In this Encyclical letter, Veritatis splendor, John Paul II†¦show more content†¦Religion clearly influences your thoughts on issues in the world. If you chose to take time to follow, believe and practice a religion, its arduous to eradicate your principles when answering lifes questions unbiasedly. Both leaders, John Paul II and the Dalai Lama, employ some of their religious tradition on their view of the relationship between religion and morality. First, the Dalai Lama mentions, in Ethics for the New Millennium, that his book is not about Buddhist ethics and is â€Å"not a religious book.† He further emphasizes that he is looking more universally beyond religion and more into moral spirituality. Although these statements might be true, anyone that has analyzed the basics of Buddhist philosophies can evidently see the parallel between his views on everyday life ethics and Buddhist ethics. For example, the Dalai Lama accents the basics of ethics as the desire for inner peace and how to cope/prevent suffering from arising. In comparison, Buddhism teaches the four noble truths, which is the central beliefs containing the essence of Buddhist teachings; it examines the reason humans suffer and how to subsist it with happiness and unity. Since Buddhism is seen more as a philo sophy, or way of life, it is understandable that the Dalai Lama can easily speak aboutShow MoreRelatedGp Essay Mainpoints24643 Words   |  99 Pagesproblems nowadays 5. Religion a. Religion divides more than it unites b. Religion and politics c. Science and religion 6. Terrorism a. Can terrorism ever be eradicated? 7. Sports a. True purpose of sports nowadays b. Sports and Media 8. Foreign Aid a. How effective is Foreign Aid? 9. Migration a. Is migration/having foreigners good? 10. Subjects a. Literature b. History c. Mathematics d. Universal language 11. Businesses a. Business morality b. Charities