What Shapes My Moral Compass? Culture, Religion, or Experience?

Morals are the values that guide our thoughts, behaviours, how we do things or see things and the like when we talk, and when we talk about moral standing, that has to do with the criteria we, as individuals, use to judge people or the things around us. But then when we talk about which aspect of life determines or has the most influence when it comes to my moral standing, it's between my culture, religion and experience in life. Which is it for me? Below I'll state what I know guides my moral standing among all and several other things related to the subject matter.

So with what, what exactly determines my moral standing as an individual between my culture, religion, and vast real-life lessons and experiences? To be honest, each of the above plays a great role in my morals as an individual, and that's because one way or another I'm tied to each. Talking about my culture, for example, as a Yoruba man, there are things in my culture that might seem awkward to the public, but because it's my culture and I don't see it as being wrong, I'd stick to it. The same goes for my religion as a Christian, but beyond all that, the major factor that influences my moral standing is the experience I've gained through the years. This has equipped me with knowledge that goes beyond any other, and I mostly incorporate it with what is in my culture and religion. Meaning my moral standing is burdened by a combination of each aspect.

Talking about how each of these three aspects shapes how I see freedom, we must recognise the fact that freedom is the state of being free and at liberty to do anything the way we see fit. But then each has their rules and regulations and expected way we ought to live as a member of that culture, religion or experience. But despite me being associated with these three, if I don't buy into an ideology surrounding one of their branches, my association with it won't force me to do such because I'm associated with it. Take, for instance, my culture sometimes places tribal marks on people for identity and the like, but I don't do such things, nor do I encourage them.

Ssne goes to my religion, Christianity, even though the church I attended encouraged tithing. I personally don't pay because I've a different take on the subject and would rather give what is meant for my tithe to the needy, meaning, even though I'm associated with these various aspects, I still have freedom to do things in my own way.

As for something that might not be a crime but is yet wrong, I agree with it and don't think we should hide under the canopies of culture, religion or personal beliefs to do things that are bad. Take for example the case of tribal marks I stated earlier; even though back then it was a means of identity even before we had DNA testing, nowadays it'll be wrong to just disfigure a child's face all in the name of identification and the like. I'm certain there are other examples and aspects these can be like, but then I don't think because something isn't a crime means we should do it when we know it's wrong.

All photos are generated using ChatGpt.