Religion: overview and significance

Religion -- Pros and Cons of Religion in Society

Some form of religion is common to all known human societies and there is evidence of prehistoric religious beliefs and ceremonies practically everywhere that ancient human remains and anthropological artifacts are found. To a great extent, religious values have played a role even in shaping some of the secular laws of many societies. In some respects, religion may provide valuable benefits to society; however, it is hard to deny that religious differences have been the single most significant source of the antagonism that has inspired armed conflicts among nations and peoples. Organized religion has been directly responsible for tremendous human suffering throughout the world. On the other hand, millions of people derive confidence and moral guidance from religious teachings. While the issue is often framed in terms of a choice between whether or not religion is beneficial, it may be better described as an effort to identify the best and worst aspects of organized religion and to understand how to apply the beneficial principles of religion and minimize the destructive principles of religion.

The Argument for Religion as a Necessary Institution in Human Societies

Religion provides essential moral principles and encourages a spirit of unity and communal benefit. Regardless of who actually wrote the Ten Commandments (i.e. whether it was a "God" or merely a man), the simple rules expressed on the tablets revealed by Moses to the Israelites have been the basis of human moral values for two millennia. In contemporary times, churches, synagogues, mosques, and other institutions of religious worship have become fully integrated into modern communities; generally, they are the principal source of communal goodwill and charitable services in their communities.

The Argument against Religion as a Necessary Institution in Human Societies

There may very well be various positive elements of modern religion; certainly, religious institutions are often involved in charitable services and they do promote communal living among their congregations. The problem is that the admittedly beneficial aspects of organized religion (charity, moral guidance, etc.) are outweighed by the magnitude (and scope) of the corresponding harms that organized religion causes. Most importantly, the harms currently associated with religion are unnecessary because concepts such as benevolence, morality, and empathy could just as easily be taught without the religious dogma. Unfortunately, much of the good done by religion is cancelled out by the damage caused by the alienation and antagonism that typically exists as a function of fundamentally different (and mutually exclusive) religious beliefs. .

Conclusion