Why Religion and Religious Freedom is Good for Society, Offenders, and Prisons. The assumption of truth. The importance of religion on an individual, societal, and national level varies greatly, but there are a few reasons why … Notes. Having a diverse group of people is important in any community or society, and lacking diversity can cause huge misconceptions about other people, so it only makes sense to keep an open mind and open … Bob Eckhard. Religion is dying. We can take religious principles […] At other times, this connection may be less helpful—or even harmful—if it creates stress or acts as a barrier to treatment. On one hand, without it we may never have survived as a species to beat other early hominids, such as the neanderthal. However, religious groups say it's unfair to make generalizations about 84 percent of the world. Some people argue that we need religion to be moral - to give us a sense of right and wrong, and help us be ‘good’. They have long histories of intellectual debate and considerable internal diversity. Religious beliefs provide a sense of shared meaning to many people. In other words religion itself carries good intentions and brings no harm towards the society but guidance and relief. White Democrats are more likely to say religion is declining, and 33 percent of them think this is a good thing, versus the 23 percent who think it’s a … Today, it's no longer easy to avoid and evade, and the undeniable pervasiveness and unfathomable preposterousness of religion in our world requires more than a scholarly response full of magical hermeneutical formulas or transcendent critical deconstructions. ... in discussing whether religion is a force for good we must be very clear what we mean by religion and what we mean by good. Having a … Religion, on the one hand, teaches that people are born sinners. A scientific review of 10,000 years of history is finally revealing the unexpected truth behind religion… Should You Be Using KDP to Self-Publish Your First Novel? CO: "I think, absolutely, yes – it is a force for good in the world and the challenge for our society is to take the good that religion offers and excise the bad." Religion teaches helplessness. The Bottom Line: Religion has been with us since the dawn of humanity. Moreover, religious rituals bring people together, allowing them to socialize, forget about their problems to a certain degree, and feel part of something greater than themselves. Is it the responsibility of a school or of the parents to educate their teens about safe sex? Many religions address problems that can become negative epidemics in a society including drug use, divorce, alcoholism, adultery, murder and greed. Religious beliefs provide a sense of shared meaning to many people. In an amazing number of ways, religious attendance is good for the economy. Preparation for the General Examinations includes participation in the Religion and Society Colloquium for all pre-generals students. Religion anchors believers to the Iron Age. Some people think that religion privileges blind faith and obedience over reason and critical thinking. Politics + Society; Science + Technology; Is religion a force for good? Most People Are Religious. Let go and let God. Is Religion Good or ... to show strong interest in religion and low rates of atheism — even in a technologically and scientifically informed society like ... (i.e. This is why, in many countries, women are treated as second-class citizens, Some of the most violent crimes in human history have been motivated by religious fanaticism. What do you think?

Secularists say the problem with organized religion is the fact that it enables and justifies bad actions. For instance, there has been a 24% increase in the number of Americans turning to religious faith since the coronavirus pandemic began since religion is a way to cope with the mental health challenges posed by virus. Religion motivates people to do the right thing All major religions are preoccupied with morality, and all encourage people to be more righteous. We are guided by religious principles and motivated to attain its goals. Religion divides insiders from outsiders. This might be why religion is good for well–being, because (at its best) it draws you into a story in which the final good of love is recognised and realised, in as far this is possible in our dull sublunary world. Reduces stress. It also unites people, and gives people tools to distance themselves from the negatives, and also makes people see the good in them. For societies and cultures, religion can act as a glue, binding people together with common beliefs, practices, and rituals. Epic analysis delivers an answer. Religion, for Durkheim, is not imaginary, although he does deprive it of what many believers find essential. Religion is really good, because it helps people to fight depression, stress, and also teaches people how to be wise, positive and successful to everyday lives. Today the church is often not viewed favourably by those not part of it. Religion is a double edged sword. Religion, he argued, was an expression of social cohesion. After COVID, Will We Ever Look for Deals on Gym Memberships Again? ... but they save society … Religion is a good thing because most major religions teach people the basic tenets of right and wrong and the whole "do unto others" concept, which is golden. One of religion’s most important functions is that it acts as social glue. To some people, marriage for 10 years may seem short. Today on Twitter, I was asked “Why are you so fixated on religion if you believe it is so untrue?”: Twitter is an amazing tool for engaging with people in real time, but it’s not brilliant for answering questions like this or really getting your point across, especially when I have a … Some folks say, “Of course, religion’s good for society – it fosters a strong. Religion Strengthens the Family Unit Religion provides moral guidelines for marriage and family that religious believers credit to being able to sustain marriage and maintain the family. Religion can also influence mental health in both positive and negative ways. Our signature Pro/Con articles on various big debates. The messy middle ground is where the truth resides, a place that requires an open mind, a desire to learn more about religion's complexity and history, and an ability to accept the shifting sands of multiple truths that display the good, bad and ugly in religion. It is regarded as his best and most mature work. In other words religion itself carries good intentions and brings no harm towards the society but guidance and relief. If a routine keeps up a person’s mental health and provides a framework for higher activities then it can be good. Published in: Education, Spiritual. From the Crusades and the Holy Inquisition to the September 11th attacks, religion can often fuel violence, war, and massacres. Also, once diversity is accepted, the society has a much higher chance to be internally and externally peaceful due to the lack of ignorance about other people. Families who use their religion as a framework for how the family should function often contribute their religious beliefs to a solid marriage and family structure. All the while, their religious leaders tend to enjoy a worry-free life of wealth and luxury. Que sera, sera—what will be will be. Being at peace with secularisation allows me to encourage those with whom I share Christian faith, as we together be the body of Christ in this secular society we live in. Support The Perspective. There are lots of things taught in religion especially to children … It should not foster or favor one religion over another. While religion may foster prosocial behavior, it tends to be towards other members of the same religious group. From the Crusades and the Holy Inquisition to the September 11th attacks, religion can often fuel violence, war, and massacres. Doing so has enabled otherwise isolated people to stay connected and spiritual. All major religions are preoccupied with morality, and all encourage people to be more righteous. Religion Creates a Sense of Community Some people join a religion in order to feel included in a smaller subsection of a larger society. Religion is good for Society Religion is the belief in and worship of superhuman forces such as God, karma and afterlife. © 2017 Perspective-Media LTD. All Rights Reserved, THERE ARE AT LEAST TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY. Remember what happened in 1978 in Guyana, when 900 members of Jim Jones’s People’s Temple committed mass suicide by drinking cyanide-laced juice? Great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Desmond Tutu, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg were all empowered by their faith to help those in need and stand up to injustice. It's not uncommon for Buddhists, Muslims or Christians to create their own fellowships for believers. It applies in smaller family circles, workplace, organizational structures and the society at large. Regular practice of religion is good for personal physical health: It increases longevity, improves one's chances of recovery from illness, and lessens the incidence of many killer diseases. Has the US response to COVID-19 been proportionate to the physical and mental health risks involved? “My argument is simply stated: religion is not only good for society, but it is essential to society,” said James Gaston, a professor of … Concubines, magical incantations, chosen people, … Is religion good or bad for humanity? Isn't religion bad for society? Religion Is Good For All Of Us, Even Those Who Don't Follow One. Secularists argue organized religion is bad because it enables bad people to do bad things in its name. The idea that religion is important for morality is not just widespread, but deeply ingrained. The Esquiline … Theologists, scientists and thought leaders have attempted for centuries to understand the impact that religion can have on human beings; both mentally and physically. That makes religion a dangerous tool in the hands of certain religious and political elites, who may use it to maintain their privileged status or to convince others to sacrifice their lives. The Colloquium is restricted to doctoral students, and Masters level students who are prepared to work at an advanced level (by approval of the faculty member directing the colloquium). Good state-funded faith schools can discourage bigotry, but secularism also produces bigots. Read atheist bloggers for evidence of that. Centuries later, these masterpieces continue to be sources of awe and inspiration, not just for believers but for all of humanity, adding richness and meaning to the world at large. 1. Anthropological studies show that participation in religious events increases group bonding and promotes prosocial behaviors. Rano Dev , Trainee at Physiotherapy at Physiotherapy 3 years ago. Organized religion gives people meaning and inspires them to do good; the good outweighs the bad. Deeply linked to identity, morality, and many of the things that matter to us the most, it is a powerful motivator of human behavior, for better or for worse. Religion is so much associated around families and neighborhoods. Indeed, psychological studies show that people are more likely to justify acts of violence and aggression when they are provided with a religious justification. Our religion is the foundation upon which many of us base our lives. Is Religion Good or Bad for Us? Indeed, the impression that I am left with is that atheists believe that religion is best explained by reference to the extreme elements within it. Durkheim’s major book “The elementary forms of Religious life” (1912) has been regarded as one of the most profound and most original work upon Religion. Marriage isn’t just about a having a wedding and feelings of love. That's why freedom of religion is so important to a society's governmental framework. It is also applicable in politics, economic matters, religion, philosophy etc. Guidance on how to live life. It is also applicable in politics, economic matters, religion, philosophy etc. Martin Luther, credited as the founder of Protestantism, called for the extermination of the Jewish people because of their religious beliefs, a view that has been shared by many Christians and Muslims for centuries. In a free society, religion is an ally of good government as it forms the moral character of individuals and communities. We live in a world where society has now changed. by Rev. Byron R. Johnson. Another academic, Taylor 7 , describes the result of secularisation as being in a society where people can engage fully in politics without ever encountering God, and in this description illustrates the point of change: Whether it is through providing inspiration, the promise of rewards in the afterlife, or the threat of punishment, religion can be a powerful social force. Are there times when bending the truth is justified or should we follow this well-acknowledged phrase without question? Follow. It can negatively and positively shape our world view, decisions, behavior and health. Epic analysis delivers an answer. In the same way, organized religion is natural, good … INTRODUCTION. Is religion good or bad for humanity? Debate in a polite manner. Creationism is a last ditch effort for religion to remain relevant in an increasingly educated and secular society. Without the religious frameworks that guide these actions, many people may not feel morally obligated to address societal problems, making religion important to society and its people. One in every three Americans are classified as overweight or obese. Religion Strengthens the Family Unit Religion provides moral guidelines for marriage and family that religious believers credit to being able to sustain marriage and maintain the family. Negative comments including insults, etc. This shows that religion can be a force for good if we only live it in a divine way. Statistics. Published on May 9, 2010. It is its applicability in all spheres that brought about the question, why is individualism important? On the other hand, however, religion is teaching people to behave in the best ways possible — in a few words, to be perfect, just like angels. Jeffrey Dorfman Former Contributor. The Psychology of Belief ... to show strong interest in religion and low rates of atheism — even in a technologically and scientifically informed society … In these and other extreme cases, believers may live in poverty, risk their lives by trusting others’ questionable judgment or even agree to wear suicide vests. Why is religion important in life, in the society, and in our country? Individualism by fixing its focus on individuals brings about the development of individuals as well as promoting and protecting individual interest within the society. One of religion’s most important functions is that it acts as social glue. Religion promotes social cohesion. Religions are not homogeneous. Politics + Society; Science + Technology; Is religion a force for good? Theologists, scientists and thought leaders have attempted for centuries to understand the impact that religion can have on human beings; both mentally and physically. On the other hand, religion is the cause of countless suffering, death, and wars. And Michelangelo’s masterpieces depict religious scenes. I find it necessary to begin by addressing one concern that I know many atheists have in regard to the way that believers have conducted themselves over the centuries – the issue of fundamentalist belief and extremism. Like many things, religion is what we make of it. While religion may foster prosocial behavior, it tends to be towards other members of the same religious group. Is it in their favor to call obesity a disease? Societal religions vary throughout the world, with some worshiping one god and others worshiping many. By the same token, good religion should neither endorse nor oppose any political party or candidate. Good government need not take sides. Certainly nature has its laws, as does the human body; governments bring order and the family institution form the basis of society. (NEWS ) Curated opposing articles on the top stories. At the same time, it has been known to promote prejudice and suspicion towards outsiders. It’s about commitments, selflessness, and looking out for the greater good of others. Is crime-solving by online communities effective law enforcement? Are young students mature enough to benefit from the life lessons of the Holocaust? 10 Likes. 19 Comments. Most British people think religion causes more harm than good according to a ... even among those who describe themselves as “very religious” 20 percent say that religion is harmful to society. A good example of a narrow definition being too narrow is the common attempt to define "religion" as "belief in God," effectively excluding polytheistic religions and atheistic religions while including theists who have no religious belief system. Is Religion Bad For Society? Religion Addresses Social Issues The core framework of religions is to create moral benchmarks for believers that guide their footsteps. Most of our world’s major religions each assume that it is their faith … Or David Koresh’s Branch Davidians’ cult in Waco, Texas, which also ended in disaster? The Importance Of Religion In Society January 15, 2016 October 10, 2017 Kaylin Cantor Religion. We’ve … These perceptions indicate why it’s probably a good thing that Christendom is over. Religion is very real; it is an expression of society itself, and indeed, there is no society that does not have religion. Views: 1 Religion is good for Society Religion is the belief in and worship of superhuman forces such as God, karma and afterlife. Some of the most violent crimes in human history have been motivated by religious fanaticism. Religion is essential to a vibrant, democratic society Religion is vital to democracy “[We] have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion.” — John Adams. However, when people use their religious views to try to discriminate against others or to make them conform to their beliefs, religion becomes a weapon and it is not good for the world. Religion promotes tribalism. Most religions lay out ideals for marriage, including beliefs against divorce and adultery and responsibilities for the man and woman. Is Religion Good or Bad for Us? Through this ability to promote cooperation, religion has been instrumental in holding human societies together and has contributed to the rise of human civilization. It is its applicability in all spheres that brought about the question, why is individualism important? Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Without religion it would be as if all families and neighbors were on their own. Does it unite or divide society? (HISTORIC) See how different sides see the same key events in ongoing conflicts. Most British people think religion causes more harm than good according to a survey commissioned by the Huffington Post. It is a beautiful thing to see how we have grown. This sense of community helps society because it helps its people to have a sense of belonging and to make sense of things when worldly events become dramatic. Believers of religion will be charitable with time and money, hoping to relieve some of the burdens a society faces, such as hunger, clothing needs, housing needs and overall spiritual counseling. Why Is Religion Important to Society and Its People. It gives people a central focus to their common lives. Infidel, heathen, heretic. Periods of respite from daily life lead to a reduction in stress. While attempting to discredit the science, creationists only manage to muddy the waters, instilling enough doubt in the uneducated masses that their alternate theory might seem just as convincing. Is Religion Good or Bad for Society? When families break down society as a whole feels the ramifications of broken families including the need for more social welfare programs to help single mothers and educational alternatives for children from lower-income households, often run by a single parent. 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