Harris stated, “A belief is a lever that, once pulled, moves almost everything in a person’s life.” This quote exemplifies how religion has played a major role in forming my own identity. Being a part of a church has created positive aspects in my life. My religion has formed my identity by making me feel as part of a whole, while establishing my morals, how I treat others, and giving me comfort.
According to Durkheim in the article “Religion is a Team Sport,” religion is a unified system of beliefs and practices that unites members into one single moral community. Growing up around small-town churches has created a small community that has always supported me. My group membership to my church established close relationships with others. I
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When this happens, it is good to know that they can join their religious group and work together, instead of trying to do it alone. Being a part of a Christian community has influenced my identity and has played a role in establishing my morals. Consistent and strong morals were established in my childhood and I have stood by these ever since. As a result, I identify myself as an ethical person. I am the type of person that will do the right thing when challenged to pick the wrong option. Utilitarianism, which is choosing the best action that maximizes well-being, is very important in religion. I want what is best for the group and for others and do not mind giving up my advantage or time to help others.
According to Durkheim, morals force people to regulate their actions by something other than their own egoism. Being a moral Christian has influenced my actions and beliefs by reducing my ego. The bible has taught me to remain humble and to accept when things do not go my way. Religion has also taught me to be a less corrupt person. By following the Ten Commandments, I have been influenced to not lie, steal, cheat, etc., which has made my morality consistent in my
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In the Finke and Stark article, they discuss pluralism, which is a condition or system in which two or more religions coexist. My hometown was definitely a pluralistic community. By having different churches in my small town has allowed me to become more diverse and accept different views from others. As a result, I am more open to new ideas and can respect differing opinions.
Religion has also influenced the way I treat other people’s mistakes. Knowing that God accepts our sins, it makes it easier for me to accept people’s mistakes or flaws. I understand that no one is perfect, but forgiving them can help them move forward instead of backwards. This also makes it easier to accept my own flaws as well. I make a lot of mistakes and unfortunately, I sometimes dwell on the past a little longer than needed. However, I know that I can turn to my small community and God and they will allow me to embrace my mistakes as a part of who I
Throughout time, the definition of what is considered to be “religion” has been proven to be quite a challenge. This is primarily due to the fact that religions continuously evolve over time as well as an individual’s perception and understanding about what religion seems to be. Despite this ongoing process of modifications when attempting to characterize and define religion, what is certainly constant is the fact that religion plays a great role in influencing societies and individuals historically (McGuire 5). In order for an individual to well integrate oneself into society and build a daily life, religious practices is essential to this process. By analyzing the effects of religion and religious practices on communities and individuals, it will become apparent that religious practices are quite more important than religion itself and its institutions when it comes to helping one adjust into society and life.
Religion ties American’s of different races and cultures together in various ways. It provides unity and hope among a very diverse group of people. In today’s American society religion provides deep connection to American’s through socialization and social control.
Since religion is often used to reinforce the cultural rules and values of society, eventually religion sets the stage for individuals to gain a sense of community and belonging. However, religion is not viewed positively by all; especially when religious practices tend to confl...
My religious education has taught me about other religions and cultures, has given me a respect for other beliefs systems, and has trained me to be an open minded, loving, yet devout, unwavering
I was raised in a strict Christian household with strict Christian parents. They forced me to know all the beliefs that are common place with the Christian religion, and really all religions - thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not kill, thou shall honor your mother and father. I was told not to judge others regardless of color, creed, religion and to help those that needed help. Prayers were said before every meal, before going to bed at night, upon rising from sleep in the morning. The point is that having been raised in that type of environment, being surrounded by people whom I believed to be - and was told were the "good" people, this is the life I wanted, these were the people that I wanted to be like, or so I thought.
First of all, church has greatly influenced many different aspects of my life and caused me to be the person I am today. I have always been taught to treat others with respect and to treat them how I would want to be treated. This has caused me to try to be considerate of others' feelings and thoughts as much as I can. I also respect other people's property and take care of it just as I would my own. I have also been taught at church to respect those in authority including my parents, teachers, and elders. I also have participated in church activities such as choir and video production. This has helped me to improve my social skills by interacting with other people. These things have influenced me and made me the person I am today.
Religion is commonly defined as a group of beliefs concerning the supernatural, sacred, or divine, and the moral codes, practices, values, institutions and rituals associated with such beliefs (Wikipedia, 2006). Most of the major religions have evolved over the centuries into what they are today. In many cultures and times, religion has been the basic foundation of life, permeating all aspects of human existence (Fisher, 2002). Religion is passed on from generation to generation. My religious beliefs were passed on from my relatives on my mother's side. My family has believed in the Catholic faith for many generations. Since I grew up in the Catholic faith I went to Catholic schools my entire childhood. My personal experiences and the Catholic faith made me into the person I am today. Without a religious upbringing I feel that there would have been something missing in my life.
As far back as I can remember, I have been raised around good Christian people with good Christian values. I felt safe in church, knowing that most of the families I had connected with had the same set of values and beliefs that I was educated on throughout my life. Learning what I have in