A Critical Analysis of Good and Bad Deeds

By Abdullah Ehsan

Abstract

This article explores the concept of reward and punishment for good and bad actions in major religions. It highlights how this idea defines the attitudes of followers and helps establish ethical and moral standards. How it can serve as a nourishing elixir for the soul or a poisonous venom that infects and harms society. The article examines the teachings and practices of Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism, and shows a positive association between religious participation and moral behaviour. The belief in reward and punishment can act as social control, encouraging individuals to follow moral and ethical principles. This article has also critically analysed how religious beliefs can be both influential and detrimental, serving as tools of both virtue and hatred in society at the same time.

“Good and bad actions are invariably followed by pleasure and pain respectively’’         

                                                                                                      [Al-Ghazali]

By this quote, famous polymath Al-Ghazali meant that a good action is rewarded with pleasure and a bad one with pain. The former works like an elixir while the latter is like poison.

Take, for example, the poison which possesses the strength to kill. If a man swallows poison of his own accord, it is said that the poison’s natural property will simply operate in his system and cause his death. But the main cause of his death was not only the poison but his decision to drink it, i.e. his actions. No religion will consider his act of taking poison as a good or sane act, but it would rather be tagged as an evil act resulting in painful punishment.

Let’s explore how this concept of reward for a good deed and punishment for an evil deed defines the attitudes of the followers of different religions as it plays a role in setting ethical and moral standards and establishing boundaries of activities that can be called humane.

The idea of good and bad deeds and their consequences has always been a core part of major religions and it is very well expressed in most religious texts and practices.

Let’s take a few examples of major religions:

1. In Christianity, Christians express good and bad actions through the teachings of the Bible and the practices of the Church. The Bible contains numerous teachings about how Christians should live their lives, including the Ten Commandments, which outline behaviours that are considered bad, such as stealing and lying, and behaviours that are considered good, such as honouring one’s parents.
2. In Islam, good and bad actions are expressed through the teachings of the Quran and the practices of the Islamic community. The Quran contains teachings about how Muslims should live their lives, including the Five Pillars of Islam, which outline behaviours that are considered good, such as prayer and charity, and behaviours that are considered bad, such as lying and stealing. Muslims also practice fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, which is considered a good action that brings one closer to Allah.
3. In Buddhism, Buddhists express actions through the teachings of the Buddha and the practices of meditation and mindfulness. The Buddha taught about the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which outline behaviours that are considered good, such as right speech and right action, and behaviours that are considered bad, such as lying and harming others. Buddhists also practise meditation and mindfulness, which helps them cultivate positive qualities such as compassion and wisdom.
4. In Hinduism, Hindus differentiate between good and bad actions through the teachings of the Vedas. The Vedas contain teachings about how Hindus should live their lives, including the concept of dharma, which outlines behaviours that are considered good based on one’s caste and stage of life. Hindus believe in the concept of karma, which holds that every action has consequences that determine one’s future experiences.

Now let us look at some of the studies and research:

1. A study published in the journal found that religious participants were more likely, to be honest, in a game where they had the opportunity to cheat. The researchers suggested that the moral and ethical teachings of religion may have played a role in the participants’ decision to be honest.

2. An study conducted by researchers at the University of Miami found that religious participation was associated with higher levels of moral behaviour and self-control.

Provide Followers With Unique Perspectives:

Overall, different religions have unique perspectives on good and bad actions and their consequences through reward and punishment. These ideas are expressed in various teachings and practices which act as social control because when individuals believe that they are being watched or judged by a higher power, they are more likely to act by following moral and ethical principles.

Critical Analysis

“While the religious concept of good and bad deeds has been shown to have a positive impact on society in terms of promoting moral behaviour and self-control, it is important to acknowledge that religious teachings have also been used as tools for violence and discrimination. It is crucial to critically examine how religious texts are interpreted and applied in society, as their teachings can be used to justify harmful actions towards others. For instance, some interpretations of certain religious texts have been used to justify acts of terrorism, genocide, and discrimination against minority groups. Therefore, while religious concepts of good and bad deeds can play a role in stabilising society, it is important to also address and challenge the negative consequences of religious extremism and misuse of religious teachings. Some argue that religion or belief in God is necessary for morality. Others caution against the potential danger of imposing faith.

In conclusion, the concept of reward for good deeds and punishment for evil deeds has been a core part of major religions and their practices. It has helped in establishing ethical and moral standards, defining the attitudes of the followers, and setting boundaries for humane activities. Belief in reward or punishment can also act as social control, encouraging individuals to follow moral and ethical principles. Various studies have shown that religious participation is associated with higher levels of moral behaviour and self-control, and that religious beliefs are associated with greater moral absolutism. Ultimately, the concept of reward and punishment has played a significant role in shaping humanity and its understanding of humanness.

About the Author

Abdullah Ehsan is a student from IGNOU, pursuing a Masters in Sociology.

Image Source: NigerianEcho