Religion and Morality

Most people are under the impression that religion is the main source of morality in the world. This, I'm afraid, is entirely wrong.

There are two types of morality in this world, Consequential Morality and Absolute Morality. Absolute morality brooks no argument, either it is wrong, or it is right. It requires no justification. Lying is wrong, even if the truth results in the deaths of thousands. It doesn't matter, its wrong. Why? It just is. The Absolute Morality is in fact, of weaker construct than its cousin, Consequential Morality. The Consequential Moralist asks himself, "Is lying wrong in this situation? What will happen if I lie?" If the answer is, thousands of people will be saved then lying is probably alright in that situation. If lying however, will hurt someone either immediately or at a later date, a Consequential Moralist will probably think "lying is not moral in this situation".

There is a massive difference. Now, how does this relate to religion? Religion is the main source of the Absolute Moralist mentality. Why is it wrong? Religion answers "because God said so". It doesn't provide any justification beyond that, the effect upon people, for example.

For the Absolute Moralist, the world is black and white; it cannot have a gray area. Take for example, the Muslim Jihad Bomber. They are a product of Absolute Morality, which in turn is a product of Religion. America is evil, no questions asked. What they are doing is absolutely right, no matter what, etc.

From the Consequential Moralists point of view, this is immoral. What about the innocents you're harming? What about those who have never done anything wrong, and are the sole source of income for their families?

An Absolute Moralist perspective is far more likely to harm others than the view of a Consequential Moralist. There is no consideration of an actions effects, only the knowledge that the action is absolutely right in the eyes of God.