As noted in the introduction post, religion has the capacity of creating positive and negative impact to man and the society at large. The extremism of religion could lead to destruction of families, friends and nations. On the other hand, it can bring about peace, love, harmony, and unity amongst individuals and society. Religious teachings are very deep and it has a way of eating deep into a man and his thought system, which invariably can make or destroy him.
The good of religion:
- It brings about great love and togetherness, amongst family and extended family, by means of various religious practices observed together.
- It helps build a healthy relationship between families, friends, and also among individuals in a society.
- It also helps build a good relationship between man and his supreme being who helps in guiding and inspiring peace, love and harmony in the world that we live in.
- Religion can serve as a lifechanger to an individual and group of peoples by way of of monetary donations and job opportunities to the poor and less privileged.
- Religious teachings can heal the heart of a depressed individual. We all know how critical depression can be, which can also lead to suicide, but a great sermon from a religious priest can change the thoughts of such individual and also bring positive solutions to his/her problem.
- It also helps man to live a good and righteous life and do what is right at all times. It teaches man on how to live by morals and ethics of such religion.
The bad of religion:
Religion does have negative effects on man and his society as listed below:
- According to Karl Max’s definition of religion, it is the sigh of the oppressed as well as seen as the opium of the people. The word “sigh of the oppressed”, from my point of view indicates that the followers are being oppressed by the leaders one way or the other with their false teachings and myths and they have no say to disagree with any laws or words they impose on them. They are meant to do as instructed against their will.
- The word “opium of the people”, on the other hand means religion makes people ignorant of who they are, in which false religious beliefs are sanctioned upon them.
- Religion causes conflict between individuals and society where they argue which religion is better off.
- It brings hatred and enemity amongst different societies.
More likely religion does more good than bad, both in the life of man and his society also. It handles a large range of various purposes. Religion is believed and expected to bring good to the nation and not otherwise because we believe our supreme being and leaders are meant to be holy and without blemish or sin at all. We view religion as our messiah to save us from the earth and its curses or tribulations but nevertheless whatever has advantages definitely has disadvantages.
