The Religious Power

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Religion, as defined by Webster’s Dictionary is a belief in and reverence for a supernatural power accepted as the creator and governor of the universe (Houghton Mifflin, 2001). With that said, there is no commonly accepted definition of religion. Different people and different experts have different views of religion. Many people associate the religion with belief in some entity generally described as God. But then different religions and even people within a formally defined religion may hold different views about the nature of God. The only commonality between all religions is that they are all directed at guiding the individual behavior in directions that are expected to lead to their personal good as well as that of the society in general. Unlike other social institutions though, history has proven religion can rally people on a global level (Powell, 2009). Whether your experience is limited to the diversity within the United States of America or firsthand observations abroad, religion, or opinion of some form, religion is instilled and deeply rooted into all people. In a functionalistic view religion provides focus and purpose to a society and assists its leadership in controlling the society. In other words it helps society stay on course with the path that its leadership has deems important or suitable. Practicing, praying or preaching a religious belief contributes to the norms of a society, possibly mostly a societies’ mores (Schaefer, 2009). Since religion in itself usually instructs its followers to practice the ideologies of peace and to be submissive to their god and leaders, this helps society be passive on a global level. Many religions that are practiced today are embedded with customs, traditions, an... ... middle of paper ... ...ally religion is a way of explaining the universe and how you should live your life. Whether your experience with religion is limited or extensive, it plays a extensive role in how you life in your society. It is where the laws and rules of your government started, and is deeply rooted in how you treat and view the people in your community or culture. Works Cited Houghton Mifflin. (2001). Webster's II New College Dictionary. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. Powell, J. M. (2009, April). The Catholic Historical Review. THE CRUSADES IN RECENT RESEARCH , pp. 313-319. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR THE PSYCHOLOGY OF RELIGION. (2009). Journal of Psychology and Theology, 37(1), 72. Retrieved April 21, 2009, from ProQuest Religion database. (Document ID: 1675034711). Seed, J. (2010). Marx: The Guides for the Perplexed. London: Continuum International Publishing

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