"I am a Muslim; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew." Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality.

(Religion) refers to the practices and traditions that are followed to observe a particular faith.

(Morality) refers to the following of right actions by the individual.

Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to moral life because:

i) Dogmatic nature of religion - preference to some values of ours others.

ii) Preference to dogmas over overall spirituality.

iii) Outer actions of observance of ritual underwrapped over inner charge.

iv) Feeling of 'us vs them' and communal clashes.

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Some philosophers claim it to be necessary eg:-

i) Provides faith in times of difficult circumstances

ii) Gives us the values of love, care and respect for all.

iii) emphasizes on change in the innermost self.