American Values
American Values | Religion Is Not Essential to a Moral Society
Dave Matson states in the following viewpoint that morality exists independently of God or religion. He argues that moral laws, such as those that prohibit murder and theft, were created by humans so that society could function peacefully and efficiently. While some moral laws vary according to the needs of specific societies, Matson contends, the one universal standard of morality is empathy for others, and this standard holds true for atheists as well as believers. Matson has authored a variety of articles for the Skeptical Review and the Freethought Exchange. He is also...
[The entire page is 2478 words long]
Navigate
- Introduction
-
Chapter 1: What Values Should America Uphold?
- Chapter 1 Preface
- Capitalism Promotes Positive Values
- Capitalism Does Not Promote Positive Values
- Religion Is Essential to a Moral Society
- Religion Is Not Essential to a Moral Society
- Society’s Well-Being Depends upon the Traditional Family
- Society’s Well-Being Does Not Depend upon the Traditional Family
- Chapter 1 Periodical Bibliography
- Chapter 2: Is America in Moral Decline?
- Chapter 3: How Do the Media Influence American Values?
-
Chapter 4: What Measures Would Improve American Values?
- Chapter 4 Preface
- Shame Deters Immoral Behavior
- Shame Is a Form of Censorship
- The Government Should Legislate Morality
- The Government Should Not Legislate Morality
- Public Schools Should Provide Character Education
- Public Schools Should Not Provide Character Education
- Chapter 4 Periodical Bibliography
- For Further Discussion
- Organizations to Contact
- Bibliography
- Copyright
Tell a friend about American Values at eNotes.
