Paper Topic:

Religion - what function does religion serve in society?

Student X

Professor

Course

24 April 2007

The Purpose of Religion in Society

In discussing about the purpose of religion in a society there will always be two opposing arguments . The first one comes from those who see the benefit of practicing religion in their midst and the other one coming from the opposite side of the pole who believes that it is all foolishness to spend time on worshipping any deity

This will look closer into the two views expressed above . The study will examine the arguments and

then look at it through the lens of time and history to find out if these are valid or not . Moreover , the study will also attempt to expound on the idea that religion is neither good nor bad but depends solely on the content of the religion this includes the nature of the deity and the set of laws required to be performed as part of normal religious duties

Religion Defined

Before going any further it is imperative to first clarify what is the meaning of the complex term called religion . At the onset it must be made clear that an attempt to define religion is problematic to say the least . The difficulty in making sense of it can be extended to the question as to what is the purpose of religion in society . In that same vein there is no easy way of finding out what it really is except to look at general trends and to examine results that are easily discernable in the annals of history

Therefore , to limit the definition and understanding of religion discussion will be limited to what can be understood through the lens of time and the easily measurable effects in the development of societies Clarifying the methodology a bit , the proponent will only make conclusions and generalizations based on observable facts . For instance a sweeping generalization that religion is for the ignorant and the uneducated could not be accepted because a ton of evidence will easily show that this is false

So , going back to the definition of religion

Positive View

A casual observation of religious practices and the pious who attempt to follow all the teaching from the sacred writings can make one conclude that religion seeks to do what is right and good

Stability and

It does not require a rocket scientist to understand that the Western world was and is being influenced by religion . It is in the same region though where the ideas of atheism and the movement that tried to convince that God is dead also started . It is ironic to say the least but the last 1 ,000 years point to the positive effects of religion

A simple consultation of the Bible of Christianity and the numerous creeds of Buddhism and even Confucianism will reveal to the casual observer that these sacred books suggested aspiring to becoming more selfless and not turn into the scum of the earth by becoming greedy , law breakers , murderers , molesters...

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