I like to use The Sixth Principle of the Milesians, when defining morality, namely, “Do not profit from anguish or ignorance.” If our world were to follow this principle zealously, most people would have to find new professions. Most present day definitions of success don't deal with morality — they just require a simple bookkeeping practice where you add up the figures – dollars, francs, pounds sterling, Euros, etc. In most cases we will find that economic considerations will trump morality!

Morality is always getting trumped
Laws can be immoral. Habit, memes, plus loyalty to families, friends and nations regularly trump moral behaviour. Members of these latter groups can routinely expect other members of their group to defend their immoral behaviour.
   “I know what he did was immoral, but he's my son!”
    Another significant contributor to the spread of immoral behaviour is when a member of a group profits from an immoral act. Inspired by their member's success, most of the group want to get in on committing similar acts and also profit.
    Ever hear of the expression, “den of thieves”? Achieving fame in these ranks depends on stealing the most. The recent economic meltdown bears testimony to these corporate thieves as the so-called financial leaders tripped over each other in their desire to make lots of money.
    Immoral behaviour functions likeRichard Dawkin's definition of a virus. Everyone within reach of the infected one generally gets the virus, or stands by as others get it. Evil triumphs when good men stay silent. And, when it comes to questions of morality, the silence can be frightening!
    As Atheists claim they can be moral without gods, and the religious claim they are immoral because they don't believe, it might be an idea to agree on a definition for morality! Believers and Atheists alike may disagree with my definition because it may confront them with their own immorality – and their justifications for doing what they do. For one to accuse the other is nothing more than the “pot calling the kettle black”.

Legality trumps morality!
If questioned about their morality, most people dismiss the immorality of their action, or lack of action, by resorting to the argument that what they are doing is legal. In most cases they are correct. But that doesn't mean those actions are moral.
    If it turns out that it can be proven their actions are illegal, the immoral will generally say that the law is crazy. And, if that argument is successfully challenged, they then retreat into a claim that “well, that is the way it should be!” or “we have always done things that way!” or “what could I have done?” or “I didn't realize that before!” The last declaration seldom results in any changes, but it sounds good when it is said. Besides, who judges moral behaviour?

Everybody knows Atheists are immoral!
    Most often, allegations of immorality are used when no other claim of undesirability can be suggested. This process itself is an immoral act. “Lets see, they don't steal, they don't do drugs, they don't collect welfare, etc. Okay, we'll say they are Atheists! Everybody knows Atheists are immoral!”
    If morality is to be judged in the religious world, most will claim that it is up to their god(s) to judge and punish the transgressor. I have trouble with the Born Agains who say that if a person accepts Christ before they die, all is forgiven and God won't judge you harshly. And, since you are about to die, it is unlikely you will have to face your peers. It does not strike me as being very fair. Not for what is supposed to happen in the afterlife, but by the fact that immoral acts are performed without any worry of reprisal by their peers. In fact, I have yet to hear a Born Again express any concern for morality by their members. They do, however, have a lot to say about the morality of others, especially Atheists!
    Religious groups have even been known to openly defy the laws of the land in defending their ideas of rights or wrongs. Morality seldom, if ever, enters into the argument because faith-based indignation is seldom based on morality or fact. And, if the religious extremists have their way, morality will be totally replaced by their belief system which means that Atheists and Gays don't have a chance.
 
Faith trumps morality  
 “A child needs a transfusion to live? Refusing to give the child a transfusion is not illegal, but it is certainly immoral. The child doesn't get the transfusion, dies, and “goes to heaven”.
    A side note is that an unspoken conspiracy exists among the religious. I don't believe they realize they are a part of a conspiracy. It goes like this. If we leave you alone, you leave us alone! After all, we are all Christians. Following this path, Christian religions can apply widely different interpretations of their faith and escape a dispute with other Christian because they have something in common – Christ!
    When was the last time you heard of one Christian organization admonishing another for immoral actions? There are instances where individuals are singled out when their acts are illegal, but lets not confuse that with acts of organized, group immorality. The same can be said for most other religious fraternities. I should point out that some Jewish organizations will duke it out with other Jewish organizations, but it is seldom on matters of morality.
    There are many definitions for morality. It is wise to know what definition is meant when the word is used. When I speak of morality, I am referring to it according to the following definition: If you decide to apply your definition to my writing your disagreements are not valid.
    So here is my definition of morality!