Opinion: Is Religion Critical for Societal Order?
Writer: Tin Chotipanich
Editor: Proud Puvacharoen
Graphic Designer: Proud Puvacharoen
Religion is a set of beliefs, practices, and rituals focused on the worship of a deity or deities, and/or the pursuit of a moral code. Religion is a culturally, historically, and socially constructed system that provides meaning, purpose, and a sense of community for its practitioners, it is often the basis for a society that is and has been fundamental for the development of the human race.
Religion has long been a source of division and conflict in human history. From the Crusades to the persecution of minority faith groups, religious differences have fueled some of the most violent and devastating episodes of our past. Even with increased efforts in improving religious tolerance, religious conflicts continue to occur even today. Religious tensions continue to ignite conflict around the world, from the ongoing violence in the Middle East to the persecution of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.
With all the death and conflict surrounding religion, it is easy to classify religion as a negative contribution to human society; however, it is important to acknowledge that religion has also had a profound positive impact on society. From its role in providing comfort, support, and a sense of community for individuals, to its contributions to art, architecture, and cultural heritage, religion has played an important part in shaping human civilizations and enriching the human experience. Additionally, religious institutions often provide essential services and resources to those in need, such as healthcare, education, and social welfare. These contributions, while perhaps less visible, are just as significant, and deserve to be recognized and celebrated.
Moreover, stereotypes and overgeneralization based on religion can often lead to division and discrimination. When people lack an understanding of a particular religion or cultural practice, they may be prone to develop negative attitudes or prejudices.
For example, recent media coverage of extremism and terrorism carried out by a small minority of individuals claiming to represent Islam has led to widespread fear and suspicion of Muslims, including those who wear head coverings as a sign of modesty and religious devotion. This type of overgeneralization is not only harmful, but also fails to recognize the complexity and diversity of religious communities, and the noble motivations that often underlie religious practices.
Religion plays a crucial role in shaping social norms and maintaining social order. It provides a moral framework that helps guide individual behavior and encourages adherence to certain values and principles. This is evident in religious teachings such as The Ten Commandments in the Judeo-Christian tradition, the Five Precepts of Buddhism, and the Quran in Islam. These teachings serve as a means of promoting good behavior and encouraging individuals to live per the values and ideals of their faith. By setting moral standards and promoting ethical behavior, religion helps to strengthen the fabric of society and maintain social stability.
“The soul which has no fixed purpose in life is lost; to be everywhere, is to be nowhere” –Michel de Montaigne
Religion fosters purpose and meaning in our lives. In the modern day’s hyper-scientific and materialistic world, it is easy to get lost in objectively scientific explanations for every problem encountered. However, as the trend of religious disaffiliation and atheism continues to rise, humankind’s reliance on religion is dwindling. This can be attributed to 21st-century technological advancements that in turn, shift the mindset of many to one that requires scientific reasoning for everything.
As of right now, it is impossible to say what the future may hold. Although through a secular lens, phenomena are explained more scientifically, it lacks the ethical and moral consideration that distinguishes religion from other realms of study. Religion is important for society because it gives people a sense of purpose, meaning, and moral guidance. It contributes to the development of a sense of community and can serve as a framework for social interaction and cooperation. Furthermore, religion has played an important role in shaping the culture, art, and literature of various societies and has served as a source of inspiration for many people throughout history. While religion may have some negative aspects, the overall impact it has on society cannot be denied. As a result, it is critical to recognize the role of religion in society and work to promote understanding and respect among various religious groups.
