Does religion shape morals if so how and if not why?

Answer 1

Generally speaking, the answer is yes, since religions usually include formal (or at least informal) codes of behavior and ethics. This affects the morals of the public and the individual to the extent that they observe or are influenced by the religious tenets. See also:

Do morals require religion?

Answer 2

People of all faiths believe that religion shapes morals because religions usually include formal and informal codes of behaviour and ethics. These affect the morals of the public and the individual only to the extent that they observe or are influenced by the religious tenets.

In practice, there is minimal evidence that individual morality is affected by religion. This can be demonstrated by the number of persons in our prisons who profess to be religious, while atheists are greatly under-represented in the prison systems.

For better or worse, depending on each point of view, public morality is quite strongly affected by religion. Religion has successfully (at least for a time) opposed legalisation of homosexuality, Birth Control and abortion. In earlier times, public displays of affection and 'immodest' dress, such as short skirts and revealing bathing costumes, were banned on religious grounds.