Religion is a cultural system of beliefs, practices, and ethics, and it has a significant influence on politics. Emile Durkheim defined religion as a system that fulfills real needs in a society. He argued that religion reinforces mental states, fosters social solidarity, and establishes basic rules.
Religion is a system of beliefs
The word religion is a taxonomic term that can be used to group together various social practices. Examples of paradigmatic religions include Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism.
It is a cultural system of behaviors, practices and ethics
Culture plays an important role in religion, both in propagating the system and elevating its experience for the religious. It is a social system, which utilizes tangible and intangible mediums to transmit knowledge and to establish norms and expectations within a faith community.
It provides a source of ultimate legitimation
Historically, religion has provided a source of ultimate legitimation for oppressive systems. In feudal England, for instance, the landed classes’ decisions were often legitimized by a religious decree. The bourgeois and church worked together to maintain social inequality, and their reliance on religion legitimized the system’s policies. Today, it is still widely practiced, and religion appears to have universal appeal. In these societies, religion has fulfilled other social and individual needs as well.
It has a strong impact on politics
The influence of religion on politics is significant in many ways. In many countries, religious beliefs are the basis of public policy. In others, religious beliefs are a source of conflict.
It has a strong impact on society
There are many ways that religion affects society, from the social benefits that religion offers to the negative consequences. Religion can inhibit charitable and social justice work and encourage intolerance. However, there are also many positive outcomes that can be achieved. Several researchers have shown that religion can also motivate individuals to act in ways that promote social good.
It can cause unwanted side effects
The negative effects of religion can affect a person’s health and wellness. The most common side effects of religion are related to the way it’s used. If a person is religious, he or she may be less likely to smoke, drink, or engage in other harmful behaviors. But religion can also be harmful if it becomes a source of stress or a barrier to seeking treatment for mental health issues.
