Religion Mackenzie Robeson

Questions about Religion and its Roles

Religion continues to play an important role in society because of the
traditions and morals that we participate in as a whole. While religion is
criticized heavily, people still attend church every week because of the morals
and doctrines that are instilled into us through weekly prayer together. Some
people believe that without religion, the world would turn to shambles and
morals would cease to exist. With this in mind, some believe that religions role
in society continues to keep the people busy doing generous work for the benefit
of others, instead of living for oneself only.
In the last 50 years, religion has become less prominent because of the idea of
secularism in governmental institutions. Some believe that the involvement of
religion in government is corrupt and useless. For example, the corruption of the
church in previous centuries has stuck in the minds of those who oppose any
sort of religious involvement in something that rules a whole country. Also,
scientific discoveries have partially shoved religion aside. By answering the
question how scientifically, the religious question of why is less of a priority.
However, religions role in social matters has not suffered greatly. In the US, for
example, religion and its teachings play a huge part in the platform for political
parties.
There are countless conditions in which religion can either unite or divide
communities. An example of unity would be when something tragic occurs. A
whole community may come together and pray when a tragedy occurs, such as
the death of a child or the murder of a societal figure. In these instances, no one
wants to offend the suffering party by denouncing a religious funeral, a mass, or
opposing a candlelight vigil. However, religion can also cause great division in a
community. There are many different religions, and they may contradict one
another. When something occurs between two religions, people in the
community are going to naturally pick sides. This does not bring the community
together in the name of religion as a whole, but only tears them apart.
Even though science is having many more breakthroughs than what we are
used to in the past, religion still has power over many people. The morals and
teachings of religion can inspire someone to behave generously toward their
peers. Many religions teach about the benefits of giving to the poor, spreading
love, and appreciating what we are given. Religion continues to inspire people to
work for others because religion gives us personal guidance, whereas science
gives only facts and reasons behind what is natural.