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Religion is an ambiguous phenomenon, simultaneously created by society and participating in the regulation of that society at the same time. A similar duality is observed in the social processes associated with religion: the unity and division of humanity can occur even within the boundaries of one belief. The influence of religious factors on people’s thinking, behavior, and reactions can contribute to both unity and the emergence of conflict. While the phenomenon of faith is essential for hope, inspiration, and spiritual guidance, there are some downsides to engaging in religion. Unification through common belief is adjacent to potential rejection and disengagement because of the intrinsic nature of the concept.
The first area chosen for assessing religious influence includes the concept of morality and ethics. Undoubtedly, a significant part of religion is the formation of correct norms and types of behavior among people. Unification is emphasized in their observance and compliance with certain canons, thereby marking the boundaries beyond which one should not go. An example from the course is the Christian commandments and their counterparts, which contribute to the organization of a healthy society while observing (Sophia Learning, n.d.). The background formed due to religion being a factor of unity of people, which can be observed in a civilized society. On the other hand, the same norms of morality are likewise divisive factors because of their different interpretations. The boundaries of what is permissible, which are not directly stated in the commandments, are understood differently by people, which can cause division in society.
Individuality and collectivity should not be opposed to each other in the context of a mixture of cultures and traditions. With digitalization and globalization, interactions with members of another culture occur on an hourly basis, and religions, in this case, can further contribute to both unification and separation (Sophia Learning, n.d.). Understanding religion’s ability to set standards of morality and behavior is essential to building social connections and any action in a multicultural society. At the same time, contact between faiths has become easier with social globalization, which can sometimes provoke conflicts and divide people.
The second area of assessment considers ritualism and material culture, which can critically affect people’s attitudes. According to the course, an example of this is religious ceremonies of marriage, baptism, and others (Sophia Learning, n.d.). In the sincere adherents of religious tenets, such ceremonies are capable of inducing true unity, and all who participate, even those who are irreligious or of a different faith, join in the process. However, on the other hand, ritualism is perceived negatively by many modern people, including those belonging to religious movements. Thus, the formed psychology of following rituals and traditions can cause divisions even within one religious community when the degree or necessity of adhering to the accuracy of the rituals is interpreted differently by its members.
Therefore, religion’s ability to unite people is very countervailing and almost equal to its ability to divide society. There is an opportunity to observe the processes of division and unification of society in an almost direct way today. The many factors contributing to both processes include moral and ethical tenets and adherence to rituals. Few such phenomena exist in human society, of such great importance and yet as ambivalent as possible. Human unification, cultural exchange, and tolerance, for all their importance, owe much to religion for their initial emergence.
Reference
Approaches to Studying Religions. (n.d.). Sophia Learning. Web.
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