Introduction
Religion is a controversial topic in modern society because people are divided not only about the single correct religion, but also about the reason for its existence. Accordingly, it is considered that religion is a set of cultural systems, belief and attitudes that connect mankind with spirituality and sometimes with moral values. Thus, supporters of this idea try to build their own lives in accordance with its basic principles. Instead, another category of peoples believes that there is no higher power, and all processes on Earth can be explained by science. Moreover, they consider religious views to be relics of the past, not a system of beliefs. Therefore, it is essential to establish different views on the concept of religion.
Support for Religious Beliefs
It is essential to note that the term religion has various interpretations, each of which is correct in its own way. Religion can be defined, for example, as a worldview and behavior of people that is determined by the belief in the existence of some supernatural force (Ferngren, 2017). However, most people believe that religion is a belief in the supernatural, specifically God. Moreover, for other individuals it is a system of symbols, moral rules, rituals and cultic actions based on the idea of the general order of existence. Although, common to all understandings of religion is that it is a set of views and ideas, a bunch of beliefs and rituals that gathers human beings into a single community (Ferngren, 2017). Hence, religion is one of the forms of a person’s adaptation to the surrounding world, a way to satisfy spiritual needs.
Correspondingly, despite some differences, people support the idea that there is a supernatural being called God or another force. In addition, they believe that it is essential to conduct certain rituals and unite in communities on this basis. Certainly, individuals can adhere to various religions, such as Christianity or Buddhism. Nevertheless, they believe in one common concept and try to conform to the basic rules in order to obtain support from the higher powers.
Rejection of the Concept of Religion
Meanwhile, another category of people identifies themselves as atheists and do not believe in the existence of a higher power. Recent statistics indicate an astounding number of people who are atheists, more than 10% of the world’s population identifies themselves as adherents of this theory (Ferngren, 2017, p. 43). Moreover, such statistics are constantly growing and people are gradually improving their point of view. This is because initially, the followers of this theory rejected the existence of God and scientifically substantiated that it is imperative to believe only in things that can be verified (Ferngren, 2017). Currently, atheists reject the existence of any higher power, the need for rituals and cults. Such persons rely only on their own strength and abilities, which enable them to rationally assess the circumstances and their own capabilities.
Conclusion
Hence, the views on religion are radically varied among individuals. One category of people supports this concept and constantly try to follow the rules, perform rites and rituals to earn the trust of higher powers. They support common postulates and try to unite together, independently of the type of religion. On the other hand, another category of individuals does not believe that religion is a way to achieve enlightenment and receive help from a higher power. They do not recognize the existence of God and the expediency of various religious rites, but rely on their own strength and knowledge. Thus, religion is a controversial concept that is perceived in a variety of ways by different people.
Reference
Ferngren, G. B. (2017). Science and religion: A historical introduction. Johns Hopkins University Press.