Religion in Human Life

Introduction

 Religion refers to a unified system of practices, beliefs, and rituals that usually involves a group of believers who share a common definition (s) of the profane. It includes supernatural, awe-inspiring, spiritual, and divine aspects of human existence (Ellison & Levin, 2013). Religion can also be one’s definition of how they view life, how one understands classifications of people that share common beliefs that are different from one’s own, for instance, the Muslims, Jews, and Christians (Smith, 2012, p 20). For sociologists, religion can be viewed from both a cultural and a theoretical approach. However, religion has always had an impact on human life on both levels of our society. Thus, this essay aims to discuss how meaningless life without religion would be.

Sanctions for the Principles of Morality

Religion endorses principles of morality like honesty, brotherhood, equality, tolerance, justice, helping the poor, and other kindred principles.  These are the principles without which human beings’ lives would lose credibility, order, and normalcy, thus turning to chaos (Glock & Stark, 2015). The virtues are based on internal beliefs of faith and are beyond the ordinary law’s scope. It is only through faith from within an eternal being that controls humans that they can cultivate these virtues within the human being and compel them to act according to these virtues, including adherence to duty, and also making sacrifices for others. According to Will Durant’s book ‘Pleasures of Philosophy,’ morality that does not find its basis in religion can be compared to arithmomancy since the sense of obligation is absent (Koenig, 2009, p 290).

Provides the ability to endure life adversities

Religion is very crucial during a human being’s period of adversities, and serves as a bulwark against undesirable actions that demonstrate desperation and hopelessness.  A religious human being in deep belief in a supernatural being does not undergo utter desperation even under the worst circumstances; this is because they know that an almighty being protects them. Hence, with faith that the problem is already solved, the human being can overcome hopelessness and disappointment. Therefore, a supernatural human being seldom suffers from acute reactions such as frustration, nervous breakdown, and suicide. Thus, religious belief enables a human being to face hardship with courage and protects them from ill effects brought about by disappointment and failure (Glock & Stark, 2015).  After the Nazis downfall, as illustrated by Bertrand Russell, there rose an intellectual and ideological revolt in Germany, however, religion has since helped return the country to stability. As Durant says, a human being’s behaviours that are not based on blessed religion form a unique epicurean confusion, and their life is an unbearable burden (Park, 2015).

Encounter with an ideological vacuum.

Since a human being cannot live in an ideological vacuum for so long, they tend to lean towards destructive ideas, leading to a spiritual firmament that pollutes their mind forever (Park, 2015). Many examples of where human beings have become idol worshipers, many worshipers, and other superstitions have been seen even in intellectuals. These originate from a lack of strong faith or belief, hence a spiritual vacuum (Smith, 2012, p 25). Thus, religion is needed to fill the spiritual vacuum with sound beliefs and thus save one from being absurd and irrational.  Therefore, understanding a religion truly plays a crucial role in avoiding superstitions. Though even the lack of a clear understanding of religion can also cause superstitions.

Aids in the Progress of Science and Knowledge

Religion’s firm and sound lessons are effective in scientific research and progress since its foundation is laid on the solid bedrock of ‘freedom of will’ and also on the fact that every human being is held accountable for their actions. Many religions teach that limitless knowledge forms the basis for the source of this cosmos, which can be compared to a grand book penned by an erudite scholar (Koenig, 2009). Every page and word contains clear acts that stimulate us to further study and contemplation. The attitude towards the cosmos leads to the stimulation of persistent thinking over how creation came about, consequently helping in the advancement of science and knowledge. On the other hand, if human beings hold that the universe is a result of mechanical factors without any intellect, hence no plausible reason why they should make strenuous efforts to discover its secrets (Smith, 2012).

Conclusion

In conclusion, to give a true meaning to life, human beings have learned to practice different religions and beliefs that help them overcome life’s challenges and avoid suicidal feelings after failure and disappointment. Religion also instills life’s principles and virtues such as honesty, duty, integrity, and righteousness, and also a will to help the poor. These virtues play a big role in bringing a balance in life for human beings and also avoid going into chaos as a solution. The faith and beliefs also help fill a spiritual vacuum in them, which would otherwise be filled with superstitious ideas in life. Thus, life without religion would be meaningless for human beings.

References

Ellison, C.G., and Levin, J.S., 2013. The religion-health connection: Evidence, theory, and future directions. Health Education & Behavior, 25(6), pp.700-720.

Glock, C.Y. and Stark, R., 2015. Religion and society in tension. Chicago: Rand McNally.

Koenig, H.G., 2009. Research on religion, spirituality, and mental health: A review. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 54(5), pp.283-291.

Park, C.L., 2015. Religion as a meaning‐making framework in coping with life stress. Journal of social issues, 61(4), pp.707-729.

Smith, C., 2012. Theorizing religious effects among American adolescents. Journal for the scientific study of religion, 42(1), pp.17-30.