• Religion can affect people in many different ways. List at
least two effects that organized religion has had on society and give examples from past
and/or present world events that illustrate your examples.
Consider wars, disease, bigotry, hate: how many times have religion been the root cause of these?
Religion, like any establishment, seeks power. As Lord Acton once said, "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Absolute (or nearly so) power can influence people into bigotry an dhate, which leads quite often to wars. The "I'm the only one who knows what is true and right. You're wrong and should convert or die" attitude causes much of the trouble in the Middle East these days, caused the troubles in Ireland recently, and was the cause of much of the difficulties during the Middle Ages.
Organized religion has had various effects on society throughout history. Here are two examples of its impact:
1. Social Cohesion and Unity:
Religion has often acted as a unifying force within societies, fostering a sense of shared values, community, and identity. It has brought people together, creating cohesive social structures and establishing moral frameworks for behavior. For instance, one prominent example is Christianity's role in the development of Western civilization. The spread of Christianity in Europe brought people together under a common belief system, shaping laws and revealing the value of community bonds.
Another example is the Islamic concept of ummah, which refers to the global community of Muslims. The idea of the ummah has fostered a sense of unity among Muslims around the world, transcending national boundaries. This unity has led to collective actions, such as humanitarian efforts during times of crisis or the formation of international organizations, like the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
2. Conflict and Division:
While religion can foster unity, it has also played a role in fueling conflicts and divisions throughout history. Religious differences, dogmas, and interpretations have often been at the root of hostilities between communities or nations. Examples of this include:
The Crusades: Throughout the Middle Ages, a series of religious wars known as the Crusades were fought between Christians and Muslims. These conflicts were driven by religious fervor, with both sides seeking to protect or reclaim holy sites in the Holy Land.
Religious conflicts in Northern Ireland: The Northern Ireland conflict, primarily between Catholics and Protestants, has a complex history intertwined with religion, politics, and identity. Religion acted as a dividing line, exacerbating tensions and driving violence between the communities.
It is important to note that these examples do not represent the entirety of the effects of organized religion on society. The impact of religion is multifaceted and varies across different cultures, historical periods, and specific religious beliefs. Analyzing the effects of organized religion requires comprehensive study and understanding of historical events and contexts.