Saturday, July 26, 2008
3:29 PM
Discuss the importance of religion in society today. (2004)
Religion. For many years, people have fought because of it. Wars were waged because of it, riots erupted because of it. However, religion still has an important place in our society today.
For one, all religions despite their differences impart good values to its followers. These values such as honesty, filial piety, love, kindness and many more are all in line with the values needed by the society for survival and sustenance. Religion can act as a foundation on which good character and thoughts are built, resulting in a society where people can live together harmoniously. Good character would also lead to positive behavior and actions, which would help reduce the crime rates in our society today. For example, many religions encourage their followers to abstain from social ills such as robbery and drugs. Many churches also provide counseling and classes to help people combat these things.
As such, the society is made a better place to live in because of religion.
Religion also gives people a sense of identity and diversifies our society’s culture. Religion adds vibrancy and meaning to one’s otherwise monotonous life. For example, many religious buildings and places such as the intricately built catholic churches and the Muslim sacred place of Mecca are both tourist attractions.
However, even though cultural diversification is beneficial, it may affect secularism and cause a split within the society. If people of different religions discriminate against one another, they would not be able to work hand in hand to aid in the progress of our society. For example, though married to a French citizen and the mother of their three, French-born children, Faiza M. was denied citizenship on the grounds that she has "adopted a religious practice incompatible with essential values of the French community, particularly the principle of equality of the sexes".
Thus, religion despite being important, has its limitations.
Melissa
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