Final answer:
Religious convictions can provide significant moral guidance, but they may not be sufficient for addressing the full scope of ethical decisions. Ethical dilemmas in a pluralistic society often necessitate broader considerations that transcend religious doctrines, as supported by theories including Kohlberg's stages of moral development and moral realism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of whether strongly held religious convictions are sufficient as a guide for making ethical decisions can be a complex one. In considering this issue, it's essential to note that ethical decision-making often involves nuanced considerations that extend beyond the framework of religious doctrine. While religious beliefs can provide a significant source of moral guidance, they may not encompass the full scope of ethical dilemmas encountered in a secular, pluralistic society.
Psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development suggests that personal moral reasoning evolves through stages, where complex ethical thinking transcends rigid adherence to rules or conventions, including those proposed by religious doctrines. This indicates that less than 25% of people progress to a stage where principles governing right or wrong are derived from self-chosen ethical principles, which may or may not align with a specific religious worldview.
Moreover, moral realism posits that moral beliefs and claims require objective justification, which could be based on a variety of foundations beyond religion. Postmodern ethics and recent sociological studies, such as those by Stearns, highlight a shift away from religious-based morality, acknowledging that multiple factors influence moral decisions.
In essence, while religious convictions can form an integral part of one's moral compass, they are not the exclusive means for ethical decision-making. Ethical problems frequently require us to look beyond religious tenets, considering broader cultural, situational, and philosophical perspectives, particularly in complex, real-world situations where moral absolutism and cultural relativism may not provide clear answers.