Morality came before religion, and religion was our ancestors' way of responding to that built-in need. And if that was so, then it was perfectly possible to lead a good life, to have a strong sense of right and wrong, without ever letting God and his harpies into the room.
In "The Golden House," Salman Rushdie explores the idea that morality is an intrinsic aspect of humanity that predates religion. He suggests that moral instincts were developed first, and as a response to these instincts, the concept of religion emerged. This perspective implies that individuals can cultivate a strong ethical framework independently of divine influences.
Rushdie challenges the notion that a moral life requires adherence to religious beliefs. He argues that...