Why society needs religion

Throughout the history of the human species, religion has been, and still

is, omnipresent and ubiquitous, playing a fundamental role in it. People search

for transcendence and a sense of continuity, look for ways to justify their

actions, or try to motivate others to act in a certain way by means of it. Its

influence has often driven many to perform acts of heroism, nobility, cruelty, or

brutality. Has it become an outdated symbol of more primitive times? Is it no

longer necessary for humankind? I strongly believe it still is, and I intend to

explain why.

As stated before, religion has accompanied man virtually since his

appearance on Earth. Archaeological findings show evidence of this on wall

paintings, cemeteries, totemic structures, and so forth. As civilization evolved,

so did their beliefs. Babylonians, Egyptians, Greek and Romans to mention a

few, worshipped pantheons of gods and demigods. At some point around 3000

A.C., Hinduism was already constituted and started gaining adepts, expanding

though the south of Asia. A few centuries later Abraham set the basis for what

would become Judaism, which in turn would allow Christianity to develop and

flourish. On a different part of the world, Buddhism was already expanding.

Later on, a man called Muhammad wrote and compiled the sacred book known

as the Quran, thus giving birth to Islam. Meanwhile, in the Americas, Mayan,

Incas and Aztecs lived through their own systems of beliefs.

Nowadays, the two most predominant religions in the world are

Christianity and Islam. This piece of work is ruling out Buddhism, since it is

currently debated whether it should be considered as a religion or a philosophy,

given its lack of a deity.

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 Both Christianity and Islam are monotheistic and quite similar in many

aspects. They both had periods of aggressive expansion, which has led both

sides to war more than once. Billions of people claim to be a part of one of

these two groups, which are not homogenous in nature, but quite the opposite.

Christians for instance, split into catholic, protestant, orthodox, etc.;

whereas Muslims can be sorted into the Sunni, Shi`ite, and Sufi sects, mainly.

The differences among religious groups and sects are not abundant; this,

however, has not prevented the constant conflict they are embarked in,

struggling to be considered as the true and only path leading to God.

Nevertheless, has religion contributed in a positive way with mankind?

Terrible massive conflicts such as the Muslim Conquest and Expansion, and the

Christian Reconquista and Crusades slaughtered entire populations. Ethnic

cleansing has wiped out thousands through history because of their faith. Most

sacred books, such as the Talmud, Bible (Hebrew Scriptures) and Quran

included, talk about sacred wars where infidel nations are annihilated in favor of

the chosen ones. The Spanish and Portuguese inquisition favored the torture

and execution of suspected heretics, and centuries later, in the new world,

women accused of witchcraft and non-christian practices in colonial

Massachusetts were subjects of trial and execution. Jews, Jehovah's Witnesses

and non-Christians were incarcerated, tortured and killed in Nazi Germany and

Russia. The fundamentalist version of the Jihad has been used as an excuse by

Islamic fundamentalist terrorists to commit atrocities against anyone they deem

as enemies of their faith. Given all these facts which are publicly known, what is

the current state of religion in the world?

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 It varies depending on the place, of course; however, in general terms, at

least 59% of the world's population identified themselves as religious, compared

with 36% claiming not to have strong ties with any faith, and those who do not

even believe in any deity (13% atheists worldwide). This is the first occasion in

the history of the world when a great number of its population openly state not

to be religious or not to believe in any god.

Hence the question: is religion worth keeping around?

From a rather cynical standpoint, it can be said that religion can control and

regulate the behavior of society. How much control can be exerted depends on

several factors, such as culture, idiosyncrasy and relation with the current

government. But there is more to it:

 Religion provides a moral compass. It is religion that provided mankind

with moral codes and values (erroneous or not) that separate us from

animals. Children are inculcated with a set of virtues to cultivate, which in

time are fully assimilated; and a more positive attitude towards life.

 Cooperation and charity are enforced by religion. Solidarity is utterly

important in most faiths, which emphasize the importance of giving, and

their members are intended to not only practice but also promote it.

 It provides a sense of purpose and meaning. The belief in a higher

authority watching over gives us direction, insight, and a sense of

connection to divinity.

 It can help individuals attain mental peace. The belief on an invisible

power comforts and gives courage to people in times of crisis. Personal

loss becomes more bearable and meaningful.

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Summing up, whether believers or non-believers, it is undeniable for anyone

that, even with all its flaws, religion is necessary for civilization and for

individuals. It provides ethical guidelines that help keep a cohesive society, and

gives meaning to citizens. Religion and humankind are, therefore, permanently

intertwined.

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Works Cited:
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. (n.d.) United States Holocaust
Memorial Museum. Retrieved from https://www.ushmm.org/learn/students/learning-
materials-and-resources/jehovahs-witnesses-victims-of-the-nazi-era/jehovahs-witnesses-
wartime-persecution

Wormald, B. (2014). How Americans Feel About Religious Groups. Retrieved July 18,
2016, from http://www.pewforum.org/2014/07/16/how-americans-feel-about-religious-
groups/