As society navigates through complex questions of justice, identity, and coexistence, I’ve found myself reflecting on how religious moral frameworks, particularly in Islam and Christianity, influence, and sometimes clash with, today’s values. Many societies have foundations deeply rooted in religious principles, often tied to the concept of a higher being. When discussing political matters, even in the most secular of settings, they rest on moral considerations, which in turn rely on epistemological considerations (how can we know anything at all?), which rest on anthropological considerations (what is man?), which rest on ontological considerations (what does it mean to be?). These layers of inquiry ultimately lead to theological reflections (what is the ultimate reality? what does 'being' truly mean?). It is impossible to seperate these interconnected questions. You just can't escape it.
Recent reflections have pushed me to consider how different religions approach the idea of morality, particularly when it comes to universal truths and contradictions in human behaviour. Both Islam and Christianity offer their own insights into moral frameworks, but their interpretations and applications often diverge in nuanced ways. *As a foreword, I want to acknowledge that I am not an expert on either of the religions I discuss today. I have not read the Quran in its entirety, and it has been some time since I last read the Bible*
Islam teaches that Allah is all-forgiving and merciful. However, forgiveness is contingent on repentance and belief. For those who die as non-believers, the Quran states that Allah does not forgive the sin of associating partners with Him, but He forgives all else to whom He wills. Whoever associates 'others' with Allah has clearly gone far astray (Quran 4:116). This raises questions about divine justice and mercy: Is ultimate forgiveness available to all, or reserved only for those who align with specific beliefs?
Islam also places great emphasis on accountability, with every individual judged according to their deeds and intentions. The Quran reinforces the balance of justice and mercy, creating a moral framework that both encourages repentance and warns against complacency.
In Christianity, the emphasis is on grace and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. In Christian theology, salvation is often framed as accessible to anyone who accepts Jesus as their Saviour, regardless of past sins. This underlines the unconditional nature of forgiveness, with an emphasis on it not being earned through works but freely given through faith. Christianity's concept of grace gives some perspective on human imperfection and the transformative power of forgiveness, shifting the focus from strict adherence to scripture toward a personal relationship with God and the pusuit of love and humility.
Both religions challenge the human tendency to judge others, emphasising that ultimate judgement belongs to God alone. Yet, they simultaneously provide moral frameworks for navigating human interactions, such as Islams concept of "enjoining good and forbidding evil" and Christianity's teaching to "love your enemies" (Matthew 5:44).
Cultural and Political Intersections
These moral frameworks, while rooted in theological traditions, inevitably intersect with modern day challenges like activism and solidarity movements. Understanding how religious morality influences or contrasts with modern values offers insight into just how complex today's social and political landscape truly is.
Recent conversations I've had with people have highlighted the complexity of current day activism, particular when movements like "Queers for Palestine" or other solidarity protests arise in contexts where the values of the participants may starkly contradict the values of those they support. To me it raises some interesting questions: Can solidarity transcend ideological differences? Does aligning for a "greater good" justify complete contradictions in beliefs?
For instance, in many Muslim-majority countries, LGBTQ+ individuals face severe discrimination, and in some cases being put to death, yet, some Western LGBTQ+ activists stand in solidarity with these populations on broader human right issues. These alliances highlight the human tendency to align based on a perceived shared struggle, even in the face of irreconcilable values. The contradictions extend to fundamental differences in values around gender, women's rights, and patriarchal authority. In Islam, women's roles are grounded in religious texts that emphasise complimentary but distinct roles for men and women. The Quran states, "the male is not like the female" (Ali 'Imran 3:36), underlining the inherent differences between the sexes. This stands in stark contrast to many current Western ideals, which often reject biological distinctions in favour of fluid gender identities and self-identification.
Similarly, Christian churches played a significant role in supporting racial equality during the Civil Rights Movement, showing solidarity that transcended ideological boundaries. Despite theological differences among participants, shared values around justice and human dignity enabled alliances that advanced a greater cause.
The contradictions, however, extend beyond legal, social, and in our current landscape, military policies. They strike at the heart of deeper questions about morality and justice: Can a movement claim moral consistency while aligning with groups that deny its foundational rights? Or does solidarity serve as an acknowledgement of shared humanity that goes beyond ideological differences?
Philosophically, these tensions challenge us to consider the nature of morality itself. Is morality absolute and objected, rooted in universal principles, or is it context-dependant, shaped by cultural and historical circumstances?
Expanding the Conversation
My curiosity about Islam and Christianity stems from their shared foundation as Abrahamic faiths and their distinct approaches to morality. Exploring these religions not only deepens my understanding of universal moral principles but also challenges me to confront my own biases and assumptions. By engaging in open dialogue and confronting our deeply held biases, I believe we as humans can deepen our understanding of what it means to pursue common good.
Can we find a way to reconcile seemingly contradictory beliefs in the pursuit of a common good? Do shared struggles reveal deeper truths about the interconnectedness of human morality? These questions drive my desire to learn more about the rich moral philosophies embedded in these faiths.
I encourage anyone reading this to examine your own beliefs and consider how they can contribute to meaningful dialogue in an increasingly interconnected yet divided world.