Religious morality is the set of ethical principles that are derived from religious texts, traditions, beliefs, and practices. It influences people's behavior and actions, including their sense of entitlement. Religions such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and many others have moral codes that guide how individuals interact with themselves, others, and society.
Entitlement refers to one's belief that they deserve something without having earned it through merit or effort. It can lead to feelings of superiority, selfishness, and resentment when denied what someone believes they are owed. In societies where religion plays an important role, religious values influence perceptions of entitlement.
Some Christians believe that God has given them certain rights and privileges based on their faith, while Muslims believe that Allah gives them guidance and support for their behavior.
In Islamic culture, for instance, men are entitled to have multiple wives due to cultural norms and religious teachings. Women in this context may be seen as submissive partners who should fulfill the needs of their husbands. This creates a power imbalance between genders that perpetuates gender inequality. Similarly, certain cultures consider women less worthy than men, leading to disparities in education, employment opportunities, and social status.
Some religions also dictate that members must adhere to strict rules regarding sexual behavior.
Catholics prohibit premarital sex, which could result in shame and guilt if violated. Orthodox Jews require abstinence before marriage but encourage marriages within the community, emphasizing family loyalty over individual choice. These restrictions affect people's sense of entitlement regarding intimacy and romantic relationships.
Religious morality influences attitudes towards property ownership and distribution. Buddhism promotes generosity and charitable giving, encouraging followers to share resources with those in need. Hinduism values material possessions, resulting in wealth accumulation, which can lead to feelings of superiority or envy among individuals with different levels of wealth.
Religious morality shapes how people view themselves and others, impacting perceptions of entitlement. People tend to prioritize what they feel is right according to their faith rather than considering the consequences of their actions. They may justify selfish behaviors based on beliefs about divine providence, creating tensions with non-believers or different religions.