Positive and Negative Effects of Religion : Effects of Religion
One of the most important aspects of human life is religion. Religion is a major part of the definition of our identity. Moreover, from thousand of years, religion has been a part of this world. Almost everything in this world is influenced by religion. Furthermore, it has played a major role in shaping cultures of societies. Even the laws are influenced by religious beliefs. Basically, it influences and guides daily lives of people. However, religion has two sides. On one hand, it encourages and promotes morality, provides support and comfort to people and gives birth to communities. On the other hand, it becomes the reason of conflict in many cases. Also, religion becomes the basis of division of communities. Inequality among people is also encouraged by religious differences. Therefore, religion has both positive and negative effects on people and communities. This article is about Positive and Negative Effects of Religion.
This blog post explores both the sides of religion. It affects the individuals and communities in different ways. Moreover, these ways influence most of the spheres in this world. Therefore, it is very important to know about both positive and negative effects of religion. So, let us discuss all those effects that majorly influences our daily lives.
What is Religion ? ( Positive and Negative Effects of Religion )
Religion basically is belief system which revolves around the worship of a higher power. This higher power is divine. Moreover, religious practices involve all the rituals and traditions. Furthermore, the behaviours and morals of people depend on which religion they belong to. Often, several people question the purpose of existence and death. Apparently, religion seeks the answer to those existentialist questions.
Also, all those who believe in divine power find comfort in religious practices and worship. They believe that their life is guided by the supreme power and they find comfort and happiness. Especially when in difficult times, people take support of religious practices and worshiping. Furthermore, the teaching of each religion can be different. And people belonging to different religion behave differently. All the acts and decisions that they take are influenced by their religious beliefs.
Major Religions in the World
There are various religions around the world. However, the major ones mentioned below. All these religions have different teaches and practices. These religions are :
- Christianity
- Islam
- Hinduism
- Buddhism
- Judaism
- Sikhism
- Jainism
- Bahá’í Faith
- Shinto
- Zoroastrianism
- Native American Religion
- Australian Aboriginal Religion
- African Traditional Religions
- Inuit Religion
- Shamanism
- Haitian Vodou
- Santeria
- Candomblé
- Confucianism
- Taoism
- Chinese Folk Religion
- Scientology
- Rastafarianism
- Falun Gong
- Unification Church
- Church of the Flying Spaghetti monster
Positive Effects of Religion
- Set of Principles – Religion provides moral guidance by setting up principles that followers are supposed to follow. Moreover, these principles encourage people to be more kind and generous. The practices and principles help people to live ethically.
- Maintaining Stability – The laws according to religion help in regulating behaviour of people. Under religious practices, people are bound to follow certain customs that help people maintain stability. The set of laws promote harmony and peace in the communities.
- Belongingness – Undoubtedly, religion bring people together. This sense of togetherness fosters a community. Thus, people develop a sense of community and belongingness. Therefore, the community acts as a support for individuals. Furthermore, it also acts as a basis on which people can connect with each other.
- Charity – Many religions and beliefs teach about charity and how important it is to be involved in charitable work. Moreover, there are various religious groups doing mass charity by opening schools, hospitals, etc.
Negative Effects of Religion
- Discrimination – Some of the religious teachings support inequality and oppression of women. Moreover, some of the religious teachings justify caste system and racism. Furthermore, discrimination on the basis of various factors is justified in certain teachings.
- Feeling of Guilt and Fear – Some religions give utmost importance to punishment, sin and judgement. Therefore, the followers of these religions feel fear and guilt. It means that the followers of certain religions develop a feeling of fear and they behave in expected manner to avoid punishment and guilt. Hence, it gradually creates a mental pressure on people that can lead to mental health issues.
- Conflicts on the Basis of Religion – It is historically proven that religion fosters division. There have been wars, traces of violence and conflicts on the basis of religious differences. However, sometimes people of same religion with different sets of beliefs can also fight with each other.
- Conflict with Scientific Discoveries – Some religious beliefs contradict scientific discoveries. These conflicts often lead to slow or no scientific progress.
Final Thought
Religion is a power tool that gives a shape to different communities. It provides moral and ethical guidance to followers. Moreover, different religious teachings have different practices to preach. Therefore, religion leads to the formation of different communities. However, these communities give individuals a sense of belongingness. One on hand, religion helps people to behave in a moral and ethical manner. It maintains stability and provides comfort. On the other hand, it is also the reason behind several conflicts and violence. Therefore, there are both positive and negative effects of religion.
