Explanation how Rule-Based Character Traits Important in Society or Religion - Power of Good Character. Also refer to cultural, religion, government, laws, rules, commandments, law-breaker, trouble-maker, sinner, good people, consequences, motivation, acceptance, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions

Rule-Based Character Traits Important in Society or Religion

by Ron Kurtus (revised 9 November 2007)

Rule-based character is one of the three major character types. Rule-based refers to following rules or laws. People who follow cultural rules, religious commandments and government laws are considered to have good rule-based character. They are also considered good people. Those who do not follow the rules are considered law-breakers, trouble-makers or sinners. Their character is said to be immoral, unethical, or corrupt.

Questions you may have include:

• How are cultural rules related to character?
• How is following religious rules related to character?
• How are government laws related to character?

This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson.

Cultural rules

Cultural rules concern those within your ethnic group, cultural community, or even family.

Consequences

Those who are caught breaking the rules are thought poorly of by other members of the culture. In some cases the person may be punished.

If you believed in the rules of your culture and you break them, you may feel guilt and remorse. You may feel that your cultural character is less than what it should be.

Examples of rules

Some cultural rules include:

• You must not marry someone outside the culture
• Stealing from members of our group is not allowed
• You must take the vow of silence, if arrested
• Honor your union brothers
• Friday is casual day

Religious commandments

Most religions have a set of rules or commandments that members are expected to follow. Often these rules overlap into cultural and government areas.

Consequences

Those that are caught breaking those rules are often shunned or even punished by the religious community.

These people believe that those who break the religious commandments will be punished by their God.

Religious followers who break the rules often feel guilty and thing they have a lower religious character. They feel like "sinners" because of their actions.

Examples of laws

Some religious laws include:

• Do not worship false idols
• You are forbidden to eat pork
• Do not have indecent thoughts
• Do not work on the holy day
• Honor your parents
• Do not kill (also a social and government law)
• Lead a chaste and decent life
• Pray five times a day

Government laws

You are required to follow the laws of your community, state and national governments.

Motivation

Obeying government laws is motivated by a desire to avoid the consequences of breaking a law and getting caught. But there are some people who obey the laws because they feel it is the "right" thing to do.

Consequences

If you get caught breaking the law, a government agency will punish you. If other people find out that you do not obey the laws, they will consider you as having a law-breaker character. Of course, some laws are judged as more serious than others. Murder is much more serious of a crime than driving over the speed limit.

On the other hand, if they see you going out of your way to obey the law, they will consider you having an admirable, law-abiding character. You may also be proud of your good character.

Examples of laws

Most laws and rules are stated in the negative sense, telling what you cannot do. Typical government laws include:

• You must not drive over the speed limit
• You must not steal (also a religious and social law)
• You must not loiter
• You must not become drunk in public
• You must pay your taxes

In conclusion

Rule-based character refers to following cultural rules, and religious commandments and government laws. Those that follow the rules are considered to have good rule-based character. Those who do not follow the rules are considered law-breakers, trouble-makers or sinners. Their character is said to be immoral, unethical, or corrupt.

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Mini-quiz to check your understanding

1. When can a cultural rule be against a government rule?

2. When can a religious commandment be in conflict with local customs?

3. Are there government laws that conflict with religious practices?

If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a Champion in understanding Character. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again.

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Rule-Based Character Traits Important in Society or Religion