The 20th annual Symposium will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2009.

Toward an Ethical Faith: Affirming the Importance of Critical Questioning Concerning Religion
Towsley Lecture Hall/Norris 101, 3:30 PM

Dianne  Marshall,   '09 37
   Majors: Religious Studies, Psychology
   Hometown: Naperville, IL

Sponsor(s): Ronney Mourad, Holger Elischberger, Andrew Christopher
Support:  

Abstract: 
The purpose of this study is to determine what is necessary for ethical religious belief or faith. Usually, in religious contexts the term ‘ethical’ is used to describe actions, particularly whether they are right or wrong given a certain religious background or given their effects on others. However, for the purposes of the present discussion, ‘ethical’ means rightly held, on sound conviction and evidence, to the extent that such evidence can be gathered. This study undertakes an examination of the involuntary nature of belief and the voluntary nature of faith. An examination of philosophical approaches to moral religious belief illustrates that we should adopt an attitude of critical rationalism, a critical analysis of our beliefs, along with an understanding of psychology and our natural biases. Implications of this perspective for modern believers are discussed, as is the need for dialogue among religious worldviews.

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