In the current society the position of religion has been a contentious issue. With the past years, societies that gained stability were strengthened by the only religion at that time. Within the sole religion, competing factions have been observed. Divisions were also observed within different sects being based on religious grounds.
On the other hand the Christians termed it as interdenominational. These conflicts at times are often based on political grounds. Due to the genesis and beliefs related with religion, the effects on society are not nearly related to the initial intentions (Howe para.3).
Religion can be described as a belief on the things that take place beyond the human understanding Religion acts as a tool that brings spiritual fulfillment to the human beings. Religion is associated with some kind of discipline. This discipline can be in physical form. Also, discipline can be mental or psychological depending the approach used. These disciplines are manifested as religious rituals or habits among the human beings. Religion adds strength to the emotions and the logic of human beings.
In every society even those who don’t believe on the existence of God, a tradition of religious concept has been known. Religion plays a very vital role in identifying members of a certain group. For those who do not actively participate but are related with members of a particular sect, get their identity from others as having the culture of that particular sect. Discipline of a religion, aids one to get a sense of well-being (Howe para.4).
Religion has different effects in the society. It has been set to enhance achievement of common good. Also, religion encourages members to change for better in the society. A bridge is created for individuals to make accounts for the things which are beyond the human understanding.
Also, religions create a safety valve for people to relief their guilt by creating a framework that acts as a code of behavior. Commandments and sin are used to enhance the above mentioned. Believers are encouraged to take into consideration individuals who are below their standard morally. (Howe, para.2).
Religions can also marginalizing people in the society into ‘us’ and ‘them’. This can also be considered as discrimination as in the case of racism where people are grouped according to their race. The category of ‘us’ is considered as holy while ‘them’ are taken as the unholy. In case a problem arises between communities the unbelievers don’t bare the blame. The easiest thing is becoming self-righteous and directing the blame to those we term as inferior.
Such kind of a feeling is not a key intention of religious leaders but in contrast they bring strength in an environment where fear is predominant and understanding does not prevail. In case of disputes among factions of society, religion is incorporated to bring support within a religious dimension not putting into consideration whether that support is justified or not. In this case religion acts as an embodiment of evil which is in contrast with its original intent (Howe para.5).
Religion relies on a belief in divine. With this effect it is used as a tool to promote a belief in divine intervention. In addition, religion can be used to restrain worse situations by citing religious grounds. Religious ethics are used to form a strong foundation for the spurious theories. With this perspective, life is taken as the only safeguard of the deity (Howe para.7).
In conclusion, religion participates in accounting for the lack of knowledge. This is by giving hope during the time of problems. Religion also gives individuals identity. Though religion is taken to guide people towards truth, this is in contrast with the role it plays in the society.
Works Cited
Howe, David. Racialism in society. Web.1999. May 24, 2011.
Howe, David. Religion in society. Web. September 2001. May 24, 2011.