Discussion Questions for Chapter 1

Why an Ethical Religion?

1) Adler speaks of the "spirit of religion without its dogma." What does he mean by this? What alternative meanings might this have?

2) What is meant by a "consecrating influence?"

3) Adler speaks of Fundamentalism as being "obliged to attack" the Ethical Culture Society. Who might be obliged to attack us today? Are they? Why? Why not?

4) Adler lists three alternative bases of ethics: ethics as God-given; ethics as convention; ethics as will. What does he think about each of these? What do you think? Are there other alternatives?

5) What is meant by the "independence of morality?"

6) Morality is "living in, living for, something larger," says Salter. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

7) Salter speaks of a "higher morality." What does he mean?

8) Black asks, "Why not let men differ about their answers to the great mysteries of the universe?" Well, why not? (How might a Catholic, a Buddhist, a Humanist, answer . . . why not?)

9) "Deed not creed"--but, says Black, "deed implies an outlook on life . . . deed is part of a larger faith . . ." Do you agree? What larger faith?

10) Is religion a unifying force? Can it be? What kind of unity?

This document is part of a larger document, "Understanding Ethical Religion," edited by Howard B. Radest.