Ethical Religion

How ethical is your religion? With the multitude of options in religion throughout the world, a basic test should be performed. In asking these questions, I'm primarily interested in how the religion itself applies its principles to its members, the community and the world. In this view; I'm aiming to categorize individual congregations, groups, and followings that are not always aligned with the overall religion. This is not delving into the theological beliefs and practices, moreover an overall view of the existence of the group from 30,000 ft.

Ethics
The definition of ethics I most understand is that defined by Kantian philosophy. Ethics is a mixture of rationalization and wisdom; it is based upon morals, metaphysics, the science of right and other principals of humanity. It is very simply, yet complex in detail. I highly recommend learning philosophies of ethics; it has taught me how to better understand and appreciate the differences and similarities in people worldwide.

Ethical Religion
A religion is ethical if it:
A) Treats its members as an end, not as a means.
A religion should establishes a framework for its members to share and gain spiritual enlightenment. There should not be an assumed or implied tribute back to the establishment such as a monetary contribution, preaching, or volunteering. Members of a religion may be giving of themselves and their resources, however it is secondary to their personal spiritual enlightenment.

• Is your financial contribution expected? Could you stop and no-one would say or think otherwise?
• Are you expected to tell others about the religion - especially by name (church, temple)?

B) Preaches humane virtues equally to family, friends and enemies.
The members should be taught to apply their values both inside and outside their social circles.

• Does your church accept everyone, or only those who believe in its followings?

C) Encourages serenity in the community
The religion, as an entity, should assert its power to help those in need. However it should be sensitive to not disturb the free will of others. As society issues evolve from external bodies (such as government or catastrophic events); the religion should get involved in a manner which establishes a commonly objective.

• Is your church genuinely interested in accomplishing good works or just converting more to its cause?
• Is your church consistently pointing out the flaws in other religions?
  

Most religions are thought to meet these guidelines, but many won't; particularly at their individual place of congregation.

How does yours rank; what do you think of others?

Extremes
A purely ethical religion probably cannot exist; it would be completely interested in the spiritualities of its members and loose sight of spreading the message about itself. On the other end of the spectrum is a religion which is overtly interested itself and not its individual members. It might mean the difference between a religion of just faith and a cult following.