The present paper is a response to the article "Theravāda Buddhism and Morality," by Richard H. Jones, which appeared in the September 1979 issue of the "Journal of the American Academy of Religion". Defining morality as consisting, in essence, of regard for the welfare of others, Jones argues that both the teachings of Theravāda Buddhism and the people who follow these teachings are nonmoral because, he claims, they lack this regard for others. In the course of attempting to establish this thesis, he distorts or ignores much important scriptural and anthropological material. The present refutation consists primarily of a reconsideration of material Jones has used carelessly and inaccurately, and a consideration of a sampling of the important material he has ignored. Space does not permit correction of Jones's misunderstanding of several basic Buddhist concepts, most notably, karma, mental purification, and enlightenment; but it is hoped that the following brief remarks will serve to clarify and correct: 1) Jones's misunderstanding of scholarly work on the definition of morality; 2) his misapplication of this misunderstanding to Theravāda Buddhism; and 3) his misrepresentation of Theravāda Buddhist scriptures and people.
