The purpose and manifestations of societal activity demonstrate the link between culture and religion. Religion is a fundamental way people experience and comprehend the world if culture describes how people perceive and comprehend the world. Furthermore, religion cannot become a self-contained historical entity or indifferent to various social changes; it is understood as a concrete substrate that informs cultural expression. However, religious manifestation and purpose can influence cultural engagement, with culture serving as a vehicle for people to communicate the meaning and aim that religion provides. This essay examines how religion shapes human culture and explains why there have been so many religions across history and space.
In a society where young people must deal with a constantly shifting social and political environment, religion is most inclined to play an essential part in identity development. In essence, religious affiliation’s transcendent significance contributes to a young person’s identity formation and overall well-being (Kogan et al., 2019). The abundance of alternatives available to present youth is likely to result in despair, pessimism, and uncertainty without the perspective offered by religious concepts, the worldview it gives, and its function in forming and directing conduct. Therefore, religion may provide definitive solutions and opinions on elusive aspects of life that may be more interesting and relevant for a young person.
Religion shapes values and ethics through various channels, providing a solid conscience for many people worldwide. It influences how people perceive the globe and act in response to it, encourages routines like going to church and praying, and creates a matrix of social relationships (Penelhum, 2019). Therefore, this specific strategy aids in a person’s character development. Additionally, religion is a socializing tool that aids in developing virtues such as compassion, tolerance, respect, and peace. Ethics and values help people realize that their actions have an impact on themselves and other people (Penelhum, 2019). As a result, this increases credibility, fosters leadership, enhances decision-making, and yields long-term benefits crucial to the advancement of human culture.
Religions are a form of social cohesion and an evolutionary adaptation. There are many ways to achieve cohesion, which explains why numerous other religions exist. Most of the world’s 8 billion inhabitants practice a religion of some form, ranging from enormous global churches to minor spiritual customs and localized sects (Penelhum, 2019). No one is truly sure how many different religions exist in the world. Humans had to foster collaboration and understanding among new acquaintances as they transitioned from small hunter-gatherer groups to vast agrarian cultures (Kogan et al., 2019). Believing in a self-righteous God and religion were societal responses to these difficulties. This way of life has brought about many religions in the universe throughout history.
In conclusion, with the large portion of cultures around the world, religion plays a significant role in people’s daily life. Over eight out of every ten persons in the globe identify as religious. Nevertheless, it is also noteworthy that an increasing percentage of people claim no religious allegiance. Every human civilization contains beliefs about the extraordinary; thus, it is crucial to comprehend these notions. Whether or not people perceive themselves to be spiritual, religions and other worldviews impact cultural identity. Simultaneously, other facets of culture and identity, human history, perspectives on other religions, and attitudes toward those perceived as different will affect how believers view that religion.
References
Kogan, I., Fong, E., & Reitz, J. G. (2019). Religion and integration among immigrant and minority youth. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 46(17), 3543-3558. Web.
Penelhum, T. (2019). Reason and religious faith (1st ed.). Routledge.