Let’s explore the reasons we should assess and define moral standards of conduct. It’s easy. We have a free values assessment quiz with nine questions. You can complete an accurate core values assessment in five minutes.
Almost half of the population follows one of the sects of Western religion. But just because someone adopts a religion’s values doesn’t mean those beliefs are healthy. Many people think you need religion to have morals, but that’s not true. You can have strong morals and ethics without being religious.
Exploring Social Norms and Ethics
Social norms are the rules that tell us how to behave in different situations. They are the moral guidelines that help us understand what is acceptable and what is not. For example, saying “please” and “thank you” are social norms that show politeness.
Ethics are the principles that help us decide what is right and wrong. They shape our decisions and conduct based on our understanding of right and wrong. Ethics help us make choices that are fair and respectful to others.
Both social norms and ethics are important because they help us live together in peace. They shape our behavior and help us understand how to interact with others in socially acceptable ways.
When you understand how to create guiding principles, they are no longer mysterious. They don’t have to be long and complicated. We have an example of a comprehensive system of core values with only nine principles.
The fact is that everyone has a value system that guides their decision-making, which is based on the programming of your worldview. Some people use skewed and biased values to justify causing harm.
There are two main options for guiding principles. The first option is to follow the guidelines established by a religion. These are often reflected in social norms and ethics, which contain harmful bias and prejudice. The second option is to follow your own internal moral and ethical compass.
Within organized religion, there is a spectrum of beliefs. On one side are fringe believers, and on the other, the extremists. The more extreme the sect, the more unhealthy the rules it adopts. Some religions have regulations that govern every waking moment of the day. Other sects promote beliefs that call for violence to support their religious ideals.
If you follow a religion, it will define your guiding principles. Believe it or not, almost half of the world’s population accepts this proposition. But it’s not as simple as it seems. That’s because each denomination has its own interpretation of the religion.
Don’t want to join a religion but still want a set of principles to guide your moral compass? That means you are a truth seeker, not a follower, and that makes a big difference. You aren’t a follower; you are a spiritual explorer.
The Battle to Define Moral Standards of Conduct
People use different sources to define morals and standards of conduct:
1. Many people look to their religious beliefs to guide their morals.
2. Different cultures have different norms and values that shape our behavior.
3. Laws made by governments enforce value standards to keep order in society.
4. Our families teach us about morals from a young age.
5. Schools and teachers play a big role in teaching us about ethics and morals.
6. Our own experiences also shape our morals.
These methods help people develop a sense of what is right and wrong, guiding their actions and decisions in everyday life.
Religions and politicians often try to dominate the sources of moral standards. They know whoever controls these sources can influence social norms and ethics. These conflicts create a lot of tension. Imagine a community divided by values. Some follow strict religious rules, while others believe in inclusive values. These groups might clash because each believes their way is the best.
In schools, students might face pressure from different sources. For example, their family might teach them one set of values, while their friends or teachers might have different ideas. This can be confusing and stressful as they try to figure out what to believe.
Sometimes, these battles happen on a larger scale, like in politics or media. Leaders and influencers promote their standards and morals, trying to convince others to follow them. This can lead to debates and even protests as people fight for what they believe is right.
Differences between moral standards can lead to various outcomes. People might find themselves in disagreements because what one person believes is right might not be the same for someone else. This can happen in many places, like at home, in school, or at work.
Sometimes, the differences in social norms and ethics can cause confusion. For example, something that is acceptable in one culture might not be in another, making it hard to know how to act. However, these situations can also lead to compromise, and people respect each other’s beliefs and work together.
The battle to define moral standards of conduct can cause a civil war, as it did in 1861, over the state’s rights to justify the use of slavery. Tensions over moral corruption are again at the forefront in the USA.
Discussing the differences in beliefs and standards can also be a chance to learn. By understanding why someone believes something, we understand their perspective. This learning process helps us grow and become more understanding individuals.
Sometimes, people might adapt their behavior depending on where they are. For instance, someone might follow different rules at home than they do at school. This flexibility helps them navigate different environments.
Overall, differences in beliefs and values can be challenging. However, they also offer opportunities for growth, learning, and understanding.
Core Values Assessment — The Values Framework Quiz
This assessment is a simple but effective way to provide a barometer of your spiritual and moral compass. You don’t need to prepare for this quiz. You carry around the answers in your worldview for everyone to see. Here’s how the quiz works.
We present a premise as a simple comparison, this or that. All you need to do is choose the premise that reflects your beliefs and resonates with you. If you agree with the first part of the statement, add one point. If the second part resonates more with you, subtract one point. The core values assessment will give you the results in less than five minutes.
For example, the first premise is “Rational Thinking, Not Superstition.” Add one point if you think rational thinking takes precedence over superstition. If you favor superstition over rational thinking, subtract one point.
Nine statements with brief explanations take less than five minutes to read. Even if you take some time to consider your response, you will complete it in ten minutes. We’ll give you the answer key at the end.
Believe it or not, half of the people who started this article stop here. Why. Because walking on your sacred ground is scary. You are forced to choose between two opposing positions using the lens of your worldview. Your choice exposes things about your beliefs you would rather not see. Congratulations on displaying courage by continuing.
1. Rational Thinking, Not Superstition
The first choice is between rational thinking and the superstition of Western organized religion. Add one point for choosing rational thinking and subtract one point if you choose religion over rational thinking and logic.
Rational thinking is the use of logic and common sense in decision-making. Your ability to reason is in direct proportion to your use of common sense. Rational thinking, not superstition, is the foundation for truth.
There are three primary rational thinking tools. These are logical reasoning, the ten common logical fallacies, and spiritual axioms. These three tools will enable you to separate fact from fiction. And will guard you against the ploys of groupthink manipulation.
Rational thinking stands in opposition to superstition. Unfortunately, superstition is the basis of the most popular religions. The religions with the largest membership are those in the Abrahamic family tree. The branches of this tree are Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. (1) These systems are not original. They are copies of earlier Egyptian, Babylonian, Persian, and Assyrian mystery religions. They admit this appropriation:
Symbolism in a greater or lesser degree is essential to every kind of external worship, and we need not shrink from the conclusion that in the matter of baptisms and washings, of genuflections and other acts of reverence.
The Church has borrowed without hesitation from the common stock of significant actions known to all periods and to all nations. In such matters as these, Christianity claims no monopoly or originality. ― The Catholic Encyclopedia and International Work, Vol. 14 (1907)
Many individuals prioritize logical reasoning over superstition. After all, logic is the basis for every advancement in our modern world. Logic is also a solid foundation for guidelines. Many ancient cultures show how to create guiding principles without religion.
For example, ancient Greece is well-known for its emphasis on reason, logic, and philosophy. Philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle focused on ethics, politics, and science. These great minds laid the groundwork for rational thought and moral philosophy.
A mindset free from the control of organized religion is the first major hurdle of the values framework quiz. If you can determine facts from fiction, you’ve joined the ranks of the freethinkers. Congratulations.
2. Ethics, Not Dogma
The second choice is between ethics and morals based on reason and empathy versus the moral values of organized religion. Add one point for choosing ethics based on reason and subtract one point if you choose religion as the source of your morals.
One does not need religion to have positive ethics or morals because ethical behavior is based on reason, empathy, and values. People can develop a sense of right and wrong through empathy, experience, and logical thinking. These sources help us make fair and respectful choices, promoting a positive and ethical society.
Our behavior reflects our ethics, which come from our values. The dogma of Western organized religion is not consistent or coherent (2). So, it is not a reliable source of ethical standards. It contains contradictions and justifications for harmful behavior, from genocide to genital mutilation. The social norms and ethics of Western religion fuel major conflicts and wars.
We share something with all living things. We all desire to live in peace and be free from harm. As we mature from a child to an adult, our natural tendency is to grow. We naturally want to expand our world and our thinking. As our conscience develops, we naturally want everyone to live in peace. We wish to live in harmony with other people and other living things.
The systematic indoctrination process of religion overrides our natural holistic values. Instead, it instills values contrary to our natural conscience. We can learn to hate, discriminate against, and harm others, and that’s just one of the harmful effects of dogma and doctrine. If you define your guiding principles by religion, you accept everything about that system.
Religious people claim that it’s just the fundamentalists of each religion that cause problems. But there’s got to be something wrong with the religion itself if those who strictly adhere to its most fundamental principles are violent bigots and sexists. — David G. McAfee
To live in harmony, we need to return to our natural state of innocence and ethics. There is no need for religion’s doctrine or dogma. The virtues of the spirit are the positive aspects of our nature. These were the basis of our mindset before we were subjected to Western culture’s indoctrination.
This part of the values framework quiz seems like a duplication of the first point. Here, we contrast rational thinking and superstition. But now, we are talking about mythology. It’s essential to distinguish between superstition and mythology. Mythologies are stories that convey religious or moral ideas. Superstitions are unsubstantiated judgments. All the “holly or sacred” texts are myths on which superstitions are often based.
3. Respect, Not Worship
When we respect something or someone, we do so because we value them. We worship someone or something because of reverence, adoration, or fear. The difference between respect and worship is knowledge versus emotional attachment.
When we respect all living things, we develop a global perspective. Respect for other people and the environment is the basis of a healthy culture.
The worship of imaginary beings divides humanity. Religion uses God to justify war, genocide, and ethnic and gender discrimination. These attributes disqualify religion as a source of moral guidance. This shows how to create guiding principles that justify unspeakable acts of violence.
The third choice is about your value system. If you respect everyone regardless of their beliefs, add one point. If you choose to venerate and worship an imaginary friend over people, subtract a point.
This question on the values framework quiz highlights how myth can supersede facts. It shows how powerful myth and superstition are in our culture. Magical thinking creates thought distortions that are hard to overcome.
4. Courage, Not Fear
The fourth choice is about your prime motivator. If you believe in the goodness of people to make changes based on scientific understanding, add one point. If you live in fear of people because of race, beliefs, or immigration status, subtract a point.
We need the courage to face global issues like climate change and extremist ideologies. It’s time we address those who place profit above the environment. We must question everything about cultural folklore.
The cultural narrative manipulates fear. The courage to do the right thing can be the basis for guiding principles without religion. This contrasts with those who use fear of their imaginary friend as a basis for their moral behavior. You don’t need religion to act with high moral standards; you need the courage to do the right thing.
Above all, fill your life with hope and allow yourself to become vulnerable. Open your eyes to social injustice and learn to live a courageous life. Face your fears, but act prudently. The path of truth will lead you into conflict with those who hold religious dogma as a standard.
5. Morality, Not Religion
The fifth choice is about the source of your morality. If your morals come from a grounding in natural instincts to protect and care for others and the planet, add one point. If you choose the morals and standards promoted by organized religion, subtract one point.
Morality does not have a basis in religion. To exhibit ethical behavior, one does not need to join or follow a religion. If you look closely, you see how religions promote unethical and immoral behavior.
Theism, as a way of conceiving God, has become demonstrably inadequate, and the God of theism not only is dying but is probably not revivable. If the religion of the future depends on keeping alive the definitions of theism, then the human phenomenon that we call religion will have come to an end. If Christianity depends on the theistic definition of God, then we must face the fact that we are watching this noble religious system enter the rigor mortis of its own death throes. — John Shelby Spong
Western organized religion has been the basis of many of the world’s darkest times. During the dark ages, the Church was in control, bringing civilization to the brink of destruction. Religious extremist uses groupthink manipulation today as in times past. The disease of religion propagates all the same old prejudice and hate. Morality is elevated when grounded in logic, unbiased ethics, respect, and rational thought.
Morality doesn’t require religion. For example, Miguel Ruiz provides four simple agreements for moral behavior. The Dalai Lama (5) also has 18 principles that do not contain religious dogma. These are all examples of the paths based on unbiased ethics instead of religious ideology.
6. Clarity, Not Delusion
Clarity is the attribute one achieves when one can see the facts. As mentioned above, logical reasoning is key to this.
Question six is about the foundation of your mindset. If your thinking is based on science, the use of facts and evidence to provide solutions adds one point. If you choose religious faith and beliefs over science, subtract one point.
Religion is the source of delusion. (6) It is the belief in things that have no proof. To believe, one must accept metaphor as fact. Religion teaches us to protect the belief system, even though it is a fabrication. It programs people to deny, ignore, and fight against facts that threaten the belief system.
Belief in delusion is the opposite of clarity. So, science and facts are the way to define your guiding principles without religion.
7. Skeptic, Not Cynic
A skeptic is one who prefers beliefs and conclusions that are reliable and valid to ones that are comforting or convenient. — Steven Novella
Question seven is about how we view the cultural narrative. Add one point if you have a healthy, skeptical mindset grounded, in fact. Subtract a point if you believe in conspiracy theories that promote racial superiority and right-wing conservatism.
Being a skeptic does not make you a cynic. It is far healthier to be a freethinker than to submit to the cultural narrative. An informed skeptic uses the scientific method.
The scientific method is a process for investigating things. It’s the best way to gain, correct, and integrate previous knowledge. The inquiry process uses measurable evidence to form conclusions. We can describe this process in six steps:
1. Observe Something and Collect Data
2. Ask Questions About What the Data Means
3. Develop a Theory About What the Data Says
4. Experiment and Test Your Assumptions
5. Analyze the Data from the Experiment
6. Develop Hypotheses Based on the Results
These six steps lead to understanding and new knowledge. Each step in the sequence requires that the research remain as unbiased as possible. So, a skeptic uses this type of process to make better decisions. If you feel at ease with this mindset, you’ll excel in the upcoming section of the values framework quiz.
8. Rationality, Not Nationality
This point focuses on our worldview beliefs. Rational thinking is the use of logic and reason for decision-making. It involves analyzing facts and considering different options. This mindset chooses the best solution without letting emotions cloud your judgment. Rational thinking helps you solve problems and make informed choices. It is the ability to think without the encumbrance of groupthink manipulation tactics.
Add one point if you see the distortion created by patriotism and nationalism. Subtract one point if you believe in the validity or necessity of patriotism and nationalism.
Nationality is the belief in artificial boundaries. These boundaries designate ownership and jurisdiction over natural resources. Nationality refers to people with a specific set of beliefs or ethnicity. Nationalism is a political philosophy that justifies preferential treatment. It is a way of explaining why discrimination and bias are okay. Patriotism is pride in a national construct. This is nothing more than a smokescreen for nationalism. Pride born out of patriotism spawns violence. Nationalism marginalizes and creates scapegoats who cannot defend themselves.
The underlying premise of nationalism is pride based on artificial boundaries. This isn’t rational. Countries are artificial creations of man. A more reasonable approach is to understand that we are all people of this world. We need to unite to solve the issues.
Nationalism is nothing more than an excuse to harm others because they are different. We live on one planet. National borders are artificial boundaries. Can you see how this works against finding solutions to the global problems of climate change and social inequities? If you do, you can pass this portion of the values framework quiz. Congratulations!
9. Logic, Not Ideology
Last, for emphasis, logic, not ideology. Ideology is a system that forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy. Most doctrines find their origin in mythology, not logic or fact. An ideology is a set of beliefs that becomes the basis for religious and political factions. The ideas that underpin ideology are, more often than not, a religion. Whereas logic guides without the bias and prejudice of religious mythology and superstition.
The study of logical reasoning is the antidote for Western organized religion. Logic is an antidote to religion.
The last question explores the depth of your worldview. If your ideology is based on science, rational thinking, and inclusive values, add one point. If your values promote favoritism or discriminate against others, subtract one point.
Scoring Your Answers To Core Values Assessment
The scores range from positive nine to negative nine. Anyone with a score above five is open-minded. If you scored positive, eight, or nine, you’re a freethinker.
A score between zero and a positive four indicates you are at a crossroads. You are likely struggling with religion’s contradictions, but you can’t make the break to freedom. You also are likely to have social or business ties within a religious community.
If you scored negative, one to five, you are a staunch religious follower. If you scored minus six to nine, you are likely an extremist or religious leader.
Learning How to Create Guiding Principles
Now that you have scored the nine-question quiz, you have the data to make positive changes. Look at the questions where you scored negative points. These are the places you can change and produce a healthier mindset. Here is our list of guiding moral principles:
1. Rational Thinking, Not Superstition
2. Ethics, Not Dogma
3. Respect, Not Worship
4. Courage, Not Fear
5. Morality, Not Religion
6. Clarity, Not Delusion
7. Skeptic, Not Cynic
8. Rationality, Not Nationality
9. Logic, Not Ideology
Take each of these nine elements and ask yourself, What does it mean to me? Everyone should learn how to create guiding principles. Here are some examples of responses to this question.
To me, rational thinking, not superstition, means I will use rational thinking. This mindset will help me overcome the harmful superstitions of religious extremism. I reject ideas such as racial superiority and intolerance of sexual orientation.
To me, ethics, not dogma, means relying on my internal compass to guide my decisions. I advocate pre-Abrahamic philosophy found in ancient cultures. These are Truth, Justice, Harmony, Balance, Order, Propriety, and Reciprocity. I reject the patriarchal, misogynistic, antiquated code of the Babylonian Hammurabi found in the text known as the Bible.
To me, respect, not worship, means honoring everyone regardless of their beliefs. I respect those who believe in imaginary friends and enemies as long as they do not impose their beliefs on others or try to make laws based on religious beliefs.
Conclusion
These guidelines provide antidotes to religion’s mythology and superstition. They end the need for fear-based ideology and provide clarity and perspective against nationalism.
References
Wikipedia is the source of the following references:
(1) Abrahamic Religions.
(2) Ethical Theory and Moral Practice.
(3) Morality.
(4) Respect.
(5) The Dalai Lama.
(6) Delusion.