EXPLORING THE PERCEPTUAL CONFLICT BETWEEN SOCIETAL AND RELIGIOUS STANDARDS OF MORALITY

Abstract

As society becomes more progressive, conventional, religious and traditional principles of morality are constantly being challenged. This creates a definitional issue on how to perceive and characterize morality. Sometimes conflict arises when our traditional moral values conflict with what religions practices requires as a people.In this study, we explored the definitional issues surrounding morality as a perceptual process and the qualitative preferences it impacts oninstitutions when value conflicts emerge. Using a purposive sampling approach, 5 young heads of religious institutions were interviewed. Analysis was done using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis which helped explore their meaning making processes. The study further consolidated the notion that the definition of morality will always remain diverse. Despite the consensus that societal standard of morality is essential for tolerance, the study showed that religious beliefs and doctrines are still dominant when it affects the core of individualistic convictions. Recommendations for further study and limitations were explored