Questions: Religion & Spirituality

Morality is a subject that triggers some people, I presume because they are susceptible to being called immoral. For me, morality is built upon some assumptions about fundamental values and behaviors which define "right" and "wrong." It was taught to me by my elders when I was a young boy and it hasn't changed as I've gotten older. I do not have the privilege of adapting morality so that it is convenient for my life, and morality may be quite inconvenient at times. And in a system of morals, as I understand morals, the answer to the question is almost never "it depends."

Most religions have an inherent code of morality, though not all religious people either accept or follow the code. And a person need not have a religion to be a moral person. Some religious adherents apply the code in a way that defies the teachings of the religion (e. g., the Westboro Baptist Church protests at military funerals) and those who are not religious use those examples to criticize all religions. But there are many religious people who attempt to follow a moral code. . . and some of them are slammed for their behavior.

Yes, simply believing in a moral code might place you at odds with those around you, and actually following that code increases the odds. It's not easy. I try to be a moral person, and my dedication to that ideal has increased as I have gotten older. However, I do not claim to follow my moral code without fail, but I do try to learn from my mistakes and not repeat them. I don't do it because it is easy. I do it because I think it is the right thing to do.

Do you consider yourself to be a moral person? Does the decision to have a moral code have consequences in your personal life?