Non-Christian Ethical Systems (Leaving Cert Religious Education): Revision Notes
Non-Christian Ethical Systems
This topic explores how different religious traditions outside Christianity approach moral decision-making. Understanding these systems helps us appreciate diverse perspectives on ethics and morality.
Studying non-Christian ethical systems broadens our understanding of how different cultures and religions approach moral questions. This knowledge helps develop tolerance and appreciation for diverse worldviews while recognising common human concerns about right and wrong.
Judaism
Basic principle of Jewish ethics
The foundation of Jewish moral thinking centres on following divine guidance from Hashem (God). Jewish people believe ethical behaviour means obeying what God has commanded them to do.
In Jewish ethics, moral living is fundamentally about obedience to divine will rather than personal conscience or social convention. This creates a clear, objective standard for determining right and wrong.
This involves:
- Following the Ten Commandments
- Observing the 613 laws found in the Torah
- Understanding that compliance with these rules brings divine blessing and constitutes moral living
Kosher dietary laws as an example
The Kosher food system demonstrates how Jewish ethical principles work in practice. These comprehensive rules show how divine commands translate into everyday decisions about food and eating.
Practical Example: How Kosher Laws Work
The Kosher system contains three main elements:
Food categories: Some foods are considered ethical to consume whilst others are forbidden. Permitted foods include lamb, beef, and apples. Prohibited items include bacon, camel, and shellfish.
Slaughter requirements: Animals that are acceptable to eat must be killed according to specific methods that align with what Hashem considers ethical. Improper slaughter makes the meat unethical to consume.
Food separation: The Torah prohibits "boiling a kid in the milk of its mother." This principle extends to separating meat and dairy products entirely. Jewish meals are typically either meat-based or dairy-based, never mixed. Some communities observe waiting periods of 6-12 hours between consuming meat and dairy.
These dietary practices help Jewish people maintain their relationship with Hashem and demonstrate ethical living according to divine will.
Buddhism
Buddhist approach to ethics
Buddhism differs significantly from other major religions because it recognises no supreme deity or transcendent being. Instead, each individual can achieve their own level of transcendence and enlightenment.
This fundamental difference sets Buddhism apart: there is no divine lawgiver to obey. Instead, ethical behaviour is guided by the goal of ending suffering and achieving personal enlightenment.
The Buddha was not considered a god but rather a person who discovered methods for ending suffering and reaching enlightenment. His teachings, known as the Dharma, provide guidance for achieving this spiritual state.
The Pansil (Buddhist precepts)
Buddhist ethical guidelines are found in the Pansil, which are the Buddhist commandments. These precepts help Buddhists recognise worldly attachments and show how avoiding them can reduce suffering and promote enlightenment.
The Pansil serve a different purpose than rules in theistic religions. Rather than obeying divine commands, Buddhists follow these precepts because they lead to personal liberation from suffering.
Non-harming principle: One crucial Pansil states that people must not harm other living beings. Many Buddhists interpret this as requiring vegetarianism or veganism, since animal food production typically involves harming creatures.
Non-stealing principle: Another precept prohibits taking what has not been given freely. This extends beyond simple theft to avoiding any form of attachment to material possessions.
Practical Example: Buddhist Monks and the Precepts
Buddhist monks often practice these principles strictly. When begging for food, they may only accept food donations, not money, to guard against greed and material attachment. This demonstrates how the precepts guide practical daily decisions and help maintain spiritual focus.
Islam
Islamic ethical foundation
Islamic ethics centre on following Allah's will as revealed through religious teachings. Muslims believe that consuming only Halal (permitted) food represents ethical behaviour because it aligns with divine commands.
Like Judaism, Islam emphasises obedience to divine will as the foundation of ethical behaviour. The concept of Halal extends far beyond food to encompass all aspects of life, providing comprehensive guidance for moral living.
This principle extends beyond food to all aspects of life, with the understanding that following Allah's guidance constitutes right and ethical living.
Key Points to Remember:
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Judaism: Ethics mean following God's commands through the Torah's 613 laws and Ten Commandments - Kosher food rules exemplify this principle
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Buddhism: Ethics focus on achieving enlightenment by following the Pansil (Buddhist precepts), especially the principle of not harming living beings
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Islam: Ethics involve following Allah's will, demonstrated through consuming only Halal food and other divine guidelines
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Key difference: Buddhism has no supreme being, whilst Judaism and Islam centre on following divine commands
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Common theme: All three systems provide clear guidelines that help believers determine right from wrong in daily life