Negative And Positive Effects Of Religion
Religion is an institution as well as a belief. It is described as the faithfulness and allegiance to a given principle. Religion therefore refers to the belief in the existence of something spiritual or a metaphysical reality as the Supreme Being. Such belief is accompanied by some practices or rituals as known and indoctrinated in that religion.
Today's world is home to a vast array of religions, some of which are more widely practiced than others. Anyone can found a religion and follow its teachings as long as they do not negatively impact society or other people, as religious freedom is a universally recognised fundamental human right.
Thus, no kind of approval is needed to form a religious group. However, its methods must not be detrimental to society. This does not lessen the reality that some religious sects do engage in destructive behaviours. As long as people aren't being forced to follow them, it doesn't make them any less of a religion,it only makes them unsafe.
Thus, no kind of approval is needed to form a religious group. However, its methods must not be detrimental to society. This does not lessen the reality that some religious sects do engage in destructive behaviours. As long as people aren't being forced to follow them, it doesn't make them any less of a religion it only makes them unsafe.
However, where a religious practice is barbaric, the law gets involved. It is indisputable that religion's development and continuation have had a significant good and harmful impact on society.
Because most people on the planet practise one of the major world religions, and because certain religious sects have gained such global influence, religion has a profound influence on society as a whole.
As a result, religion becomes so important to the state's decision-making process that certain national laws are based on its religious beliefs.
For example, in Nigeria, where Christianity and Sharia Law are the two most common religions, the Criminal Code is based on Christian teaching and the Penal Code is based on Sharia Law. This demonstrates the extent to which religion may influence a country.
Positive effects of Religion
- Togetherness
- Origin and Belonging Sense
- Promotion of Virtues
- Advancement of Humanity
- Political Relevance
- Suppression of Barbaric Customs and Traditions
- Suppression of Social Vices
- Source of inspiration, hope, and purpose
1. Togetherness
Religion fosters a spirit of unity in society. Various followers of the same religion are thus drawn together to practise their faith; they now share a common religion, a belief in a single Supreme Being, and a hope that is maintained by the same element the strength of that ultimate belief and life or death after death. This togetherness promotes communal life.
2. Origin and Belonging Sense
All religions have a past. The sense of origin that a specific religion's adherents possess comes from this past. Their curiosity is piqued by the fact that their philosophy was founded on ideas that can be linked back to their ultimate being and have endured through practice and time.
People who practise religion also feel like they belong. It is easy to identify members of the same religious sect with one another. In actuality, they already have a connection. A person's sense of belonging is bolstered by the knowledge that there exist others who share their religion, as no one person can create a religion.
3. Promotion of Virtues
Moral precepts form the foundation of practically all religion's core doctrines. Ideally, joining a specific religion is an act of spontaneity. Furthermore, all religions hold the concept of a Supreme Being to be true. Such an Almighty Deity is highly esteemed.
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As a result, followers of a particular religion are more likely to automatically uphold its moral precepts. This helps to maintain the sanity of the society. Additionally, since the state is primarily concerned with upholding the law rather than morality, it relieves the state of the responsibility for imposing morality.
The root cause of this phenomenon is people's free will to uphold moral standards by adhering to their religion's moral precepts, which stem from their innate loyalty to a Supreme Being.
For example, the majority of people would not kill another person if they felt it went against their conscience rather than the state's laws.
4. Advancement of Humanity
This stems from the ethical precepts that are taught by different faiths. Humanity is encouraged to act by religion. This is the trait of kindness and charity towards others.
5. Political Relevance
Because religion is so prevalent across all sects, it is now practically necessary in state politics. Government decision-making can be influenced by religion. They resemble pressure groups, in actuality.
Religious beliefs have a significant impact on actions made in support of their humanitarian efforts and to protect the interests of their people.
Because religious leaders are more in touch with the public than government officials and because people hold their faith in such high regard, the government and the church actually collaborate closely.
6. Suppression of Barbaric Customs and Traditions
One of the main tools used in society to suppress barbaric customs and traditions is religion. Numerous primitive practices were revived and eradicated as a result of religious developments and advancements.
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For example, the influence of Christianity on African traditions is positive. Christianity originated alone in Europe and spread to other nations along with its values of respect for human dignity and other civilised ideals.
7. Suppression of Social Vices
Religion works to prevent vices like drug and alcohol abuse, prostitution, and alcoholism from continuing. No religion espouses teachings endorsing these vices.
8. Source of inspiration, hope, and purpose
Those who practise religion find inspiration, hope, and purpose in it. It offers the drive to persevere and work hard, the hope of a Supreme Being's intervention in trying times, the prospect of life beyond death, and the understanding that the ultimate goal of human existence is to carry out the will of the Almighty.
Negative Effects of Religion
- Religious Fanatism
- Promotes Women's Inferiority
- Shield from Atrocities
- Promotes Pain
- Philosophising is the act of reasoning
- Discrimination
1. Religious Fanatism
A religious adherent who turns into a fanatic is dangerous for society. Indeed, certain faiths are fanatical in the sense that they reject all other viewpoints.
Therefore, the only true religion that exists is theirs, along with the beliefs that their true God has bestowed upon them. This fanaticism genuinely does spark a religious and even political confrontation. If Boko Haram is a legitimate religion, then their ideology has the same effect as fanaticism.
Since fanatism solely aims to force one's religion on another, it is a threat to the freedom of religion enjoyed by all.
2. Promotes Women's Inferiority
The majority of religious sects likewise promote women's inferiority. Even the scriptures and the sect's doctrines subjugate women there. In the majority of religions, women are not permitted to lead or perform. This promotes the inferiority complex of women.
3. Shield from Atrocities
Religious groups are held in high regard and are therefore more likely to be trusted because they are respected sects. This gives them a secure place to hide behind the cover of religion and carry out crimes. Thus, religion acts as a barrier against crimes.
4. Promotes Pain
The majority of religious sects preach that suffering is preferable to pleasure. According to the teachings, people are advised to forgo worldly pleasures and endure suffering and sacrifice in order to get their reward after death.
5. Philosophising is the act of reasoning
Religions do not promote it. It is categorically forbidden by religion. Thus, dogmatism permeates most religions. Members are merely expected to follow the precepts, which are not supported by data. As a result, they are unable to contest the principles' accuracy.
6. Discrimination
Religion undoubtedly promotes discrimination against adherents of other religions. For example, a person is more likely to marry a member of their own religion than not.
Superstitious beliefs may be fostered by religion. Praying more than working hard can make someone feel entitled to good things, therefore it could also be considered a distraction.
One may become judgmental of another due to religion, especially when it comes to non-members. There seem to be more beneficial effects than negative ones despite the fact that it has quite a few unfavourable ones.
