These are some of the positive functions of a religion.
In other ways, religion has a negative impact on the individual and society at large. Some people become obsessed with religion because they find it easier to block out opposing points-of-view than to accept plurality and uncertainty. Instead of seeking rational solutions to problems, some people turn to the irrationality of religion. A person can be spiritual without being religious, which is one reason why I feel that organized religion is unnecessary. I have also noticed the ways that people use religion as a means to segregate themselves or create divisions in the world. Religion has undoubtedly caused more problems than it has solved.
Part Three
The ridicule surrounding initial performances by Susan Boyle are based mainly on the fact that the woman does not look like a typical popular music star....
However, she overcomes the ridicule with total confidence. This must come from a spiritual place. Susan Boyle somehow mustered the courage to sing in front of millions of people in spite of her knowing that she could not rely on her looks. Other singers use their looks to facilitate audience approval, but Susan Boyle could not do so. When she opened her mouth, the audience was shocked because here is this angelic voice coming out of a dowdy old woman. The voice of Susan Boyle is spiritual. Listeners cannot help but be moved by the voice. There is also something mysterious about the way some individuals are born with talents like a good voice vs. those who do not have those talents. Even with daily practice, I could not sing like Susan Boyle. Religious people might attribute the mystery of talent to spiritual sources.
