Morality without Religion FAQ

Many followers of religion are of the opinion that they get their morality from their religion.

If that is the case for them, and they see no virtuous path without religion, then I sincerely hope they never lose their religion. Apparently, that's all that is stopping these people from murdering me as I sleep.

And yet many non-believers lead what appear to be thoroughly moral lives without recourse to religion. And their lack of belief does not lead me to lose any sleep over an unwelcome nocturnal visit.

Is morality possible without religion? Here are a few of the articles dealing with the issue.

Reflections on Ethics 33: Morality Without Religion
- discussion (3 articles)
Reflections on Ethics 62: Morality is a heuristic that is complicated by religion
Reflections on Ethics 76: Can we teach morality without involving religion?
- discussion (6 articles)
Reflections on Ethics 91: Is fear really the true essence of morality?
- discussion
Ask the Patriarch 93: Introducing morality without religion to a child
- discussion (11 articles)
What the world needs is not dogma but an attitude of scientific inquiry combined with a belief that the torture of millions is not desirable, whether inflicted by Stalin or by a Deity imagined in the likeness of the believer. Bertrand Russell

If religion cannot restrain evil, it cannot claim effective power for good. Morris Cohen

Please take a moment to share your thoughts, pro and con, or request further clarification on this FAQ.