Religious Ethics and Professional Life - Case Study Example

Ethics in religion are those principles of morality guiding religions and setting standards for that behavior which is or not acceptable in a particular religious context. Different religious faiths have different ethical behaviors but in most cases portray a similar message. In Islam you aren’t a believer until what you wish for your brother is what you too wish for yourself (40 Hadith of an-Nawawi 13), in Christianity, all the things that you won't do to you, do to them also (Matthew 7:12)

         Professionalism is that conduct or qualities that mark a particular profession and this conduct stems from an ethical point of view since some of the professional codes of conduct are inefficient without the ethical inclination. Thus profession and religious ethics are intertwined and anybody dealing with professional life problems will in most cases be influenced by religious ethical views. (Kultgen, H pg 4 & 5)

           In the case scenarios given, Mayor Bazelon, governor Schreiner and Alya are concerned as to what is the appropriate dress code for students, the issue of female genital mutilation and submission to husband respectively, with restorationists opposing the view of school uniforms as not being modest and against their religious teachings and FGM is grounded on their religious practices, feminists argue that restrictive robes are degrading to women and FGM is inhumane, conservatives holds that there shall be segregation of Muslims and loss of American culture if they are allowed to wear religious robes. The Jews also express concerns about totally outlawing circumcision including males.

               It can be viewed that we should respect the religious teachings for they are what shape our daily lives and makes us righteous with the creator, thus Muslims who are the dominant group should be allowed to exercise their obedience to Allah through their daughters wearing restrictive robes (Utilitarian approach). (Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, pg 5)

            Given that ethical actions should be that which allows all to choose freely what they desire, in this regard, therefore, Muslims, feminists, conservatives, and Jews should choose freely whatever they want. However, since social order is fundamental for societal prosperity, the end of this is disorder, therefore in my view, it should not be followed (Rights approach). (Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, pg 6)

            Since all are Americans bound by the federal and state constitution with the obligation to respect them, thus if it’s a matter of law then all ought to adhere as this is fair and just to all (Justice approach) and because we are divided on what best suits us, we don’t have a common good as a society on these issues (FGM and students’ uniform) (Common good approach). (Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, pg 7 & 8)

            We all desire to follow the law as instructed by our creator thus justice approach in my decision the most appropriate way to address these issues though some may say that law is against our religious teachings but all have a duty to follow it for social order and obedience to God/Allah. (Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, pg 10)

Therefore Alya's husband just like other Muslims has a duty to follow the law outlawing FGM. Islam on the other hand and teaches of equality of men and women before Allah so Alya inasmuch as the submission is demanded of her but guided by the law and biblical teachings should do that which makes her righteous with God (virtue approach). (Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, pg 8)