The Influences of Religion to Culture and Society

Let us analyze the influences of religion to culture and society. The discussions here is significantly based on a lecture by Professor Jens Micah De Guzman.

There are plenty of reasons to state that religions have positive effects on culture and society.

To begin with, religion serves as a basis of cultural and societal harmony.It is a source of cultural unity and social cohesion.

Religion provides culturally and socially accepted values and ethical norms. As such, it influences people to control their behaviors so as to maintain peace and order in the society.

Religions teach cultural and social values which help maintain social cohesion, such as that: “Children should obey their parents,” “Women should be faithful to men, and vice versa,” “People should not tell lie,” and “People must be honest and not deceitful.”

Therefore, religion also acts as an agency of social control.

Furthermore, religion helps create disciplined and beneficial citizens in the society. Religions inspire members to live in line with the precepts of religious traditions, thereby offering models for ideal living in the community.

For example, Christians strive to be Christ-like; Buddhists imitate the Buddha; and followers of the mystical ‘Tao’ (the Chinese term for the ultimate way of the universe) observe noninterference with the natural course of things.

As religions teach diligence, hard work, patience, and industry, they also affect the economic life of the people in a certain culture or society.

Religion also endorses social welfare and cultural development. Religions give altruistic services to humanity.

For instance, there are religions that promote literacy, education, and research by putting up academic institutions. Some religions sponsor charitable institutions for the underprivileged like hospitals, homes, and other social welfare centers.

There are religious groups that also provide response and rescue operations during calamities. For example, an indigenous Filipino religion, the Iglesia Ni Cristo, has received international recognition and multiple Guinness records for its various ‘aid to humanity’ programs, especially for the victims of calamities in various countries, like those devastated by the super typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines.

Relatedly, religions assist people in society to bear their sufferings. They preach, for instance, that everything happens according to the grand design of the omniscient God, and ultimately, people’s sorrows will have obvious meaning.

To help alleviate sadness and shock, religions explain and justify human sufferings and grief.They also provide hope that people in society, in due course, can be freed from all miseries, pains, and fear.

Religions also teach that a anyone, regardless of his social and economic status in the society, is precious in the sight of God. He considers him or her as His beloved child.

Religions explain that being unsuccessful in a profession or career does not take away a person’s hope to receive the most important thing—eternal life. Such kind of guarantee inspires believers to continue to play their part in society.

Finally, religions assist people to endure their frustrations and integrate their personality. They boost self-worth and dignity. By doing such, religions help create a healthy and sound society where peace and harmony reign.

For other free lectures like this, visit Homepage: Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems

Copyright © by Jens Micah De Guzman

Related:

The Interconnectedness of Geography, Culture and Religions

The Concept, Elements and Characteristics of Belief System, World View, Religion, and Spirituality

Religion vs Spirituality: What is the difference between them?

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam: A Comparative Analysis

Hinduism, Theravada Buddhism, and Mahayana Buddhism: Similarities and Differences

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