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What Role Does Religion Play in Your Life?

Did you attend religious services or observe religious traditions as a child? How has religion shaped who you are today?

By Nicole Daniels and Michael Gonchar

When you were younger, did you attend religious services or participate in religious observations with your family? Did you belong to any kind of religious community? What about now, as a teenager?

Has religion played an important role in your life? If so, in what ways?

In her recent Opinion essay, “ I Followed the Lives of 3,290 Teenagers. This Is What I Learned About Religion and Education ,” Ilana M. Horwitz discusses the effects of a religious upbringing on academic success:

American men are dropping out of college in alarming numbers. A slew of articles over the past year depict a generation of men who feel lost , detached and lacking in male role models . This sense of despair is especially acute among working-class men, fewer than one in five of whom completes college. Yet one group is defying the odds: boys from working-class families who grow up religious. As a sociologist of education and religion, I followed the lives of 3,290 teenagers from 2003 to 2012 using survey and interview data from the National Study of Youth and Religion , and then linking those data to the National Student Clearinghouse in 2016. I studied the relationship between teenagers’ religious upbringing and its influence on their education: their school grades, which colleges they attend and how much higher education they complete. My research focused on Christian denominations because they are the most prevalent in the United States. I found that what religion offers teenagers varies by social class. Those raised by professional-class parents, for example, do not experience much in the way of an educational advantage from being religious. In some ways, religion even constrains teenagers’ educational opportunities (especially girls’) by shaping their academic ambitions after graduation; they are less likely to consider a selective college as they prioritize life goals such as parenthood, altruism and service to God rather than a prestigious career. However, teenage boys from working-class families, regardless of race, who were regularly involved in their church and strongly believed in God were twice as likely to earn bachelor’s degrees as moderately religious or nonreligious boys. Religious boys are not any smarter , so why are they doing better in school? The answer lies in how religious belief and religious involvement can buffer working-class Americans — males in particular — from despair.

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Essays About Religion: Top 5 Examples and 7 Writing Prompts

Essays about religion include delicate issues and tricky subtopics. See our top essay examples and prompts to guide you in your essay writing.

With over 4,000 religions worldwide, it’s no wonder religion influences everything. It involves faith, lessons on humanity, spirituality, and moral values that span thousands of years. For some, it’s both a belief and a cultural system. As it often clashes with science, laws, and modern philosophies, it’s also a hot debate topic. Religion is a broad subject encompassing various elements of life, so you may find it a challenging topic to write an essay about it.

1. Wisdom and Longing in Islam’s Religion by Anonymous on Ivypanda.com

2. consequences of following religion blindly essay by anonymous on ivypanda.com, 3. religion: christians’ belief in god by anonymous on ivypanda.com, 4. mecca’s influence on today’s religion essay by anonymous on ivypanda.com, 5. religion: how buddhism views the world by anonymous on ivypanda.com , 1. the importance of religion, 2. pros and cons of having a religion, 3. religions across the world, 4. religion and its influence on laws, 5. religion: then and now, 6. religion vs. science, 7. my religion.

“Portraying Muslims as radical religious fanatics who deny other religions and violently fight dissent has nothing to do with true Islamic ideology. The knowledge that is presented in Islam and used by Muslims to build their worldview system is exploited in a misinterpreted form. This is transforming the perception of Islam around the world as a radical religious system that supports intolerance and conflicts.”

The author discusses their opinion on how Islam becomes involved with violence or terrorism in the Islamic states. Throughout the essay, the writer mentions the massive difference between Islam’s central teachings and the terrorist groups’ dogma. The piece also includes a list of groups, their disobediences, and punishments.

This essay looks at how these brutalities have nothing to do with Islam’s fundamental ideologies. However, the context of Islam’s creeds is distorted by rebel groups like The Afghan mujahideen, Jihadis, and Al-Qa’ida. Furthermore, their activities push dangerous narratives that others use to make generalized assumptions about the entire religion. These misleading generalizations lead to misunderstandings amongst other communities, particularly in the western world. However, the truth is that these terrorist groups are violating Islamic doctrine.

“Following religion blindly can hinder one’s self-actualization and interfere with self-development due to numerous constraints and restrictions… Blind adherence to religion is a factor that does not allow receiving flexible education and adapting knowledge to different areas.”

The author discusses the effects of blindly following a religion and mentions that it can lead to difficulties in self-development and the inability to live independently. These limitations affect a person’s opportunity to grow and discover oneself.  Movies like “ The Da Vinci Code ” show how fanatical devotion influences perception and creates constant doubt. 

“…there are many religions through which various cultures attain their spiritual and moral bearings to bring themselves closer to a higher power (deity). Different religions are differentiated in terms of beliefs, customs, and purpose and are similar in one way or the other.”

The author discusses how religion affects its followers’ spiritual and moral values and mentions how deities work in mysterious ways. The essay includes situations that show how these supreme beings test their followers’ faith through various life challenges. Overall, the writer believes that when people fully believe in God, they can be stronger and more capable of coping with the difficulties they may encounter.

“Mecca represents a holy ground that the majority of the Muslims visit; and is only supposed to be visited by Muslims. The popularity of Mecca has increased the scope of its effects, showing that it has an influence on tourism, the financial aspects of the region and lastly religion today.”

The essay delves into Mecca’s contributions to Saudi Arabia’s tourism and religion. It mentions tourism rates peaking during Hajj, a 5-day Muslim pilgrimage, and visitors’ sense of spiritual relief and peace after the voyage. Aside from its tremendous touristic benefits, it also brings people together to worship Allah. You can also check out these essays about values and articles about beliefs .

“Buddhism is seen as one of the most popular and widespread religions on the earth the reason of its pragmatic and attractive philosophies which are so appealing for people of the most diversified backgrounds and ways of thinking .”

To help readers understand the topic, the author explains Buddhism’s worldviews and how Siddhatta Gotama established the religion that’s now one of the most recognized on Earth. It includes teachings about the gift of life, novel thinking, and philosophies based on his observations. Conclusively, the author believes that Buddhism deals with the world as Gotama sees it.

Check out our guide packed full of transition words for essays .

7 Prompts on Essays About Religion

Religion’s importance is embedded in an individual or group’s interpretation of it. They hold on to their faith for various reasons, such as having an idea of the real meaning of life and offering them a purpose to exist. Use this prompt to identify and explain what makes religion a necessity. Make your essay interesting by adding real-life stories of how faith changed someone’s life.

Although religion offers benefits such as positivity and a sense of structure, there are also disadvantages that come with it. Discuss what’s considered healthy and destructive when people follow their religion’s gospels and why. You can also connect it to current issues. Include any personal experience you have.

Religion’s prevalence exhibits how it can significantly affect one’s daily living. Use this prompt to discuss how religions across the world differ from one another when it comes to beliefs and if traditions or customs influence them. It’s essential to use relevant statistical data or surveys in this prompt to support your claims and encourage your readers to trust your piece.

There are various ways religion affects countries’ laws as they adhere to moral and often humanitarian values. Identify each and discuss how faith takes part in a nation’s decision-making regarding pressing matters. You can focus on one religion in a specific location to let the readers concentrate on the case. A good example is the latest abortion issue in the US, the overturning of “Wade vs. Roe.” Include people’s mixed reactions to this subject and their justifications.

In this essay, talk about how the most widespread religions’ principles or rituals changed over time. Then, expound on what inspired these changes.  Add the religion’s history, its current situation in the country, and its old and new beliefs. Elaborate on how its members clash over these old and new principles. Conclude by sharing your opinion on whether the changes are beneficial or not.

There’s a never-ending debate between religion and science. List the most controversial arguments in your essay and add which side you support and why. Then, open discourse about how these groups can avoid quarreling. You can also discuss instances when religion and science agreed or worked together to achieve great results. 

Use this prompt if you’re a part of a particular religion. Even if you don’t believe in faith, you can still take this prompt and pick a church you’ll consider joining. Share your personal experiences about your religion. Add how you became a follower, the beliefs that helped you through tough times, and why you’re staying as an active member in it. You can also speak about miraculous events that strengthen your faith. Or you can include teachings that you disagree with and think needs to be changed or updated.

For help with your essay, check out our top essay writing tips !

Essay on Religion Effect On Life

Students are often asked to write an essay on Religion Effect On Life in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Religion Effect On Life

Introduction.

Religion is a belief system that people follow. It is like a guide that helps us understand right from wrong. It has a significant effect on our lives. Let’s explore how it influences us.

Instills Moral Values

Religion teaches us moral values. It tells us about good and bad actions. For example, lying and stealing are considered wrong. Helping others and being kind are seen as good. These values shape our behavior and character.

Provides Social Structure

Religion gives us a sense of community. People who follow the same religion often gather for prayers or festivals. This creates a social structure, making us feel we belong somewhere. It strengthens social bonds.

Offers Emotional Support

Religion can be a source of comfort. When we face problems, we often turn to our beliefs. Praying or meditating can make us feel better. It provides emotional support during tough times.

Shapes Lifestyle

In conclusion, religion has a profound effect on our lives. It teaches us values, provides social structure, offers emotional support, and shapes our lifestyle. It plays a crucial role in the way we live and interact with others.

250 Words Essay on Religion Effect On Life

Religion is a belief system that plays a crucial role in many people’s lives. It provides a moral compass, guiding individuals on how to act and behave.

Guidance in Life

Religion often gives people a path to follow. It sets the rules for what is right and wrong. This can help people make good choices in their lives. For example, many religions teach about kindness, honesty, and respect. These teachings can encourage people to be good to others.

Comfort and Hope

Religion can also provide comfort and hope. When someone is going through a tough time, their faith can give them strength. It can make them feel that they are not alone. The belief in a higher power or afterlife can also give people hope for the future.

Community and Belonging

Religion often brings people together. It forms communities where people can support each other. Being part of a religious group can give a sense of belonging. This can be very important for personal happiness and mental health.

500 Words Essay on Religion Effect On Life

Religion plays a crucial role in our lives. It affects our behavior, lifestyle, and even our thinking. Many people around the world follow different religions, and each one has its unique beliefs and customs. This essay will discuss how religion influences our lives.

Values and Morals

One of the main ways religion affects our life is by teaching us values and morals. These are the rules that guide us on how to behave and treat others. For example, most religions teach us to respect our elders, be kind to others, and always tell the truth. These teachings help us become better people and live peacefully with others.

Religion often provides guidance in our lives. It helps us make decisions and choose the right path. For instance, if we are facing a tough situation, we might turn to our religious beliefs for help. We might pray for strength, or seek advice from religious texts. This can give us comfort and help us deal with our problems.

Personal Growth

Religion can also help us grow as individuals. It encourages us to reflect on our actions and strive to be better. It teaches us to be patient, humble, and forgiving. This can lead to personal growth and self-improvement.

This essay is a simple and straightforward explanation of how religion affects our lives. It shows that religion is not just about beliefs and rituals, but it also has a significant impact on our behavior, relationships, and personal growth.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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How Does Religion Affect Your Life

Table of contents, a moral compass, influences on relationships, fostering community, guidance in decision-making, sense of purpose, references:.

• Emmons, R. A., & Paloutzian, R. F. (2003). The psychology of religion. Annual Review of Psychology, 54, 377-402.
• Pargament, K. I., Smith, B. W., Koenig, H. G., & Perez, L. (1998). Patterns of positive and negative religious coping with major life stressors. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 37(4), 710-724.
• Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. (2004). Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classification. Oxford University Press.
• Reed, P. G. (1991). Toward a nursing theory of self-transcendence: Deductive reformulation using developmental theories. Advances in Nursing Science, 13(4), 64-77.
• Swinton, J., & Pattison, S. (Eds.). (2010). Spirituality and mental health care: Rediscovering a 'forgotten' dimension. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

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Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

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• U.S. Public Becoming Less Religious
• Chapter 1: Importance of Religion and Religious Beliefs

Table of Contents

• Chapter 2: Religious Practices and Experiences
• Chapter 3: Views of Religious Institutions
• Chapter 4: Social and Political Attitudes
• Appendix A: Methodology
• Appendix B: Putting Findings From the Religious Landscape Study Into Context

While religion remains important in the lives of most Americans, the 2014 Religious Landscape Study finds that Americans as a whole have become somewhat less religious in recent years by certain traditional measures of religious commitment. For instance, fewer U.S. adults now say religion is very important in their lives than did so seven years ago, when Pew Research Center conducted a similarly extensive religion survey. Fewer adults also express absolutely certain belief in God, say they believe in heaven or say their religion’s sacred text is the word of God.

The change in Americans’ religious beliefs coincides with the rising share of the U.S. public that is not affiliated with any religion. The unaffiliated not only make up a growing portion of the population, they also are growing increasingly secular, at least on some key measures of religious belief. For instance, fewer religious “nones” say religion is very important to them than was the case in 2007, and fewer say they believe in God or believe in heaven or hell.

Among people who do identify with a religion, however, there has been little, if any, change on many measures of religious belief. People who are affiliated with a religious tradition are as likely now as in the recent past to say religion is very important in their lives and to believe in heaven. They also are as likely to believe in God, although the share of religiously affiliated adults who believe in God with absolute certainty has declined somewhat.

When seeking guidance on questions of right and wrong, a plurality of Americans say they rely primarily on their common sense and personal experiences. But there has been a noticeable increase in the share of religiously affiliated adults who say they turn to their religious teachings for guidance.

This chapter takes a detailed look at the religious beliefs of U.S. adults – including members of a variety of religious groups – and compares the results of the current study with the 2007 Religious Landscape Study. The chapter also examines Americans’ views on religion and salvation, religion and modernity, and religion and morality.

Importance of Religion

Three-quarters of U.S. adults say religion is at least “somewhat” important in their lives, with more than half (53%) saying it is “very” important. Approximately one-in-five say religion is “not too” (11%) or “not at all” important in their lives (11%).

Although religion remains important to many Americans, its importance has slipped modestly in the last seven years. In 2007, Americans were more likely to say religion was very important (56%) or somewhat important (26%) to them than they are today. Only 16% of respondents in 2007 said religion was not too or not at all important to them.

The decline in the share of Americans who say religion is very important in their lives is closely tied to the growth of the religiously unaffiliated, whose share of the population has risen from 16% to 23% over the past seven years. Compared with those who are religiously affiliated, religious “nones” are far less likely to describe religion as a key part of their lives; just 13% say religion is very important to them. Furthermore, the share of the “nones” who say religion is not an important part of their lives has grown considerably in recent years. Today, two-thirds of the unaffiliated (65%) say religion is not too or not at all important to them, up from 57% in 2007.

For Americans who are religiously affiliated, the importance people attach to religion varies somewhat by religious tradition. Roughly eight-in-ten or more Jehovah’s Witnesses (90%), members of historically black Protestant churches (85%), Mormons (84%) and evangelical Protestants (79%) say religion is very important in their lives. These figures have stayed about the same in recent years.

Smaller majorities of most other religious groups say religion plays a very important role in their lives. This includes 64% of Muslims, 58% of Catholics and 53% of mainline Protestants. Roughly half of Orthodox Christians (52%) also say this. Fewer Jews, Buddhists and Hindus say religion is very important to them, but most members of those groups indicate that religion is at least somewhat important in their lives.

The survey also finds that older adults are more likely than younger adults to say religion is very important in their lives, and women are more likely than men to express this view. Additionally, those with a college degree typically are less likely than those with lower levels of education to say religion is very important in their lives. And blacks are much more likely than whites or Hispanics to say religion is very important in their lives. These patterns are seen in the population as a whole and within many – though not all – religious groups.

Belief in God

Nearly nine-in-ten Americans (89%) say they believe in “God or a universal spirit,” and most of them (63% of all adults) are absolutely certain in this belief. There has been a modest decline in the share of Americans who believe in God since the Religious Landscape Study was first conducted in 2007 (from 92% to 89%), and a bigger drop in the share of Americans who say they believe in God with absolute certainty (from 71% to 63%).

Majorities of adherents of most Christian traditions say they believe in God with absolute certainty. But this conviction has declined noticeably in recent years among several Christian groups. The largest drops have been among mainline Protestants (down from 73% in 2007 to 66% today), Catholics (from 72% to 64%) and Orthodox Christians (from 71% to 61%).

Among non-Christians, the pattern is mixed. Most Muslims (84%) are absolutely certain that God exists, but far fewer Hindus (41%), Jews (37%) or Buddhists (29%) are certain there is a God or universal spirit.

As was the case in 2007, most religiously unaffiliated people continue to express some level of belief in God or a universal spirit. However, the share of religious “nones” who believe in God has dropped substantially in recent years (from 70% in 2007 to 61% today). And religious “nones” who believe in God are far less certain about this belief compared with those who identify with a religion. In fact, most religiously unaffiliated believers say they are less than absolutely certain about God’s existence.

Nearly one-in-ten U.S. adults overall (9%) now say they do not believe in God, up from 5% in 2007.

Women are much more likely than men to say they are absolutely certain about God’s existence (69% vs. 57%), and older Americans are much more likely than younger adults to say they are absolutely convinced that God exists. Two-thirds of those with less than a college degree express certainty about God’s existence, compared with 55% of college graduates. Additionally, 83% of blacks say they are absolutely certain about God’s existence, while roughly six-in-ten whites (61%) and Hispanics (59%) hold this view.

There is considerable variation in the way members of different religious groups conceive of God. For example, seven-in-ten Christians think of God as a person with whom people can have a relationship. Only about a quarter of those who belong to non-Christian faiths (26%) share this view. Among non-Christian faiths, it is more common to see God as an impersonal force.

Among the religiously unaffiliated, roughly three-in-ten (31%) say God is an impersonal force, a quarter say God is best viewed as a person and a third say God does not exist. However, among the subset of religious “nones” who describe their religion as “nothing in particular” and who also say religion is very or somewhat important in their lives, a slim majority (53%) say they believe in a personal God.

Although the share of adults who believe in God has declined modestly in recent years, among those who do believe in God, views about the nature of God are little changed since 2007. In both 2007 and 2014, roughly two-thirds of people who believe in God said they think of God as a person, while just under three-in-ten see God as an impersonal force.

Beliefs About the Afterlife

Roughly seven-in-ten Americans (72%) believe in “a heaven, where people who have led good lives are eternally rewarded.”

Belief in heaven is nearly universal among Mormons (95%) and members of the historically black Protestant tradition (93%). Belief in heaven also is widely held by evangelical Protestants (88%), Catholics (85%), Orthodox Christians (81%) and mainline Protestants (80%).

The vast majority of Muslims (89%) also believe in heaven. About half of Hindus in the survey (48%) say they believe in heaven, as do 47% of Buddhists surveyed.

The only groups where significantly fewer than half say they believe in heaven are Jews (40%) and the unaffiliated (37%). While relatively few atheists or agnostics believe in heaven, a large share of those whose religion is “nothing in particular” and who also say religion is at least somewhat important in their lives do believe in heaven (72%).

The survey also finds that, overall, women are more likely than men to say they believe in heaven, and those with less than a college degree are more likely than those with a college degree to express this view. Slightly bigger shares of blacks and Hispanics than whites say they believe in heaven, and older Americans are slightly more likely than younger adults to hold this belief. In many cases, however, these demographic differences in belief in heaven are smaller within religious traditions than among the public as a whole. Among evangelical Protestants, for example, men are just as likely as women to believe in heaven, and young people are just as likely as older evangelicals to hold this belief.

Belief in “hell, where people who have lived bad lives and die without being sorry are eternally punished,” is less widespread than belief in heaven. About six-in-ten Americans (58%) believe in hell, little changed from 2007.

Belief in hell is most common among members of historically black Protestant churches (82%) and evangelical Protestant churches (82%). Somewhat fewer Catholics (63%), Mormons (62%), mainline Protestants (60%) and Orthodox Christians (59%) say they believe in hell.

Three-quarters of U.S. Muslims (76%) believe in hell, but belief in hell is less common among other non-Christian groups, including Buddhists (32%), Hindus (28%), Jews (22%) and the religiously unaffiliated (27%).

U.S. adults with less than a college degree are more likely than college graduates to say they believe in hell, and blacks are more likely than Hispanics and whites to believe in hell. However, there are minimal differences between men and women and between younger and older adults on this question.

Beliefs About Holy Scripture

Six-in-ten Americans (60%) view their religion’s sacred text as the word of God. This represents a slight decline from 2007, when 63% of the public held this view. Within most religious groups, there has been little movement on this question, but among the unaffiliated, there has been a modest decline in the share who view the Bible as the word of God (from 25% to 21%).

Three-quarters of Christians believe the Bible is the word of God, including about nine-in-ten evangelicals (88%), Mormons (91%) and Jehovah’s Witnesses (94%). Among members of other Christian traditions, smaller majorities say the Bible is the word of God.

Although there is widespread agreement across Christian groups on this question, there is disagreement about whether the Bible can be taken “literally, word for word.” Most evangelical Protestants (55%) and members of historically black Protestant churches (59%) believe the Bible should be taken literally, but fewer Christians from other traditions espouse a literalist view of the Bible. There has been little change in recent years in the share of Christians who believe the Bible should be interpreted literally, word for word.

Most Muslims (83%) accept the Quran (also spelled Koran) as the word of God. Far fewer Jews (37%), Hindus (29%) and Buddhists (15%) say their scripture is the word of God.

The share of the unaffiliated who believe the Bible was written by men and is not the word of God has risen by 8 percentage points in recent years, from 64% in 2007 to 72% in 2014. But while most religious “nones” say the Bible was written by men, about half of those who say they have no particular religion and who also say religion is at least somewhat important in their lives believe the Bible is the word of God (51%).

As on some other traditional measures of religious belief, older adults are more likely than younger adults to say their religion’s holy text is the word of God. And those with less than a college degree also are much more likely than college graduates to say their religion’s scripture is the word of God. Additionally, more women than men and more blacks than Hispanics and whites say their religion’s holy text is the word of God. For the most part, however, differences in beliefs about the Bible are larger across religious traditions (e.g., between evangelicals and Catholics and religious “nones”) than differences between demographic groups within the same religious tradition.

Beliefs About Religion and Modernity

Respondents in the survey who are affiliated with a religion were asked to choose one of three statements that best reflects their view of how their religion should engage with modernity. A plurality of religiously affiliated Americans (46%) believe their religion should “preserve traditional beliefs and practices.” A third (34%) say their congregation or denomination should “adjust traditional beliefs and practices in light of new circumstances.” Only 14% of people who are affiliated with a religious tradition say their religion should “adopt modern beliefs and practices.”

These findings are little changed from 2007, when 44% of affiliated respondents said their religion should preserve its traditional beliefs and practices, 35% said their religion should adjust its traditional beliefs and 12% said their religion should adopt modern beliefs and practices.

The belief that their religion should preserve traditional practices is held by most Mormons (70%), Jehovah’s Witnesses (60%), evangelical Protestants (61%) and members of historically black Protestant churches (53%), as well as half of Orthodox Christians (50%).

Muslims are closely divided on whether their religion should preserve traditional beliefs and practices or adjust traditional beliefs and practices in light of new circumstances. Among other religious groups, including Jews, mainline Protestants and Catholics, the most common view is that religions should adjust traditional practices.

Paths to Eternal Life

Two-thirds of those who identify with a religious group say many religions (not just their own) can lead to eternal life, down slightly from 2007, when 70% of all religiously affiliated adults said this.

This view is held by the vast majority of mainline Protestants (80%) and Catholics (79%), as well as smaller majorities of Orthodox Christians (68%) and members of historically black Protestant churches (57%) and about half of evangelicals (52%). Fewer than half of Mormons (40%) and only about one-in-ten Jehovah’s Witnesses (8%) believe that many religions can lead to eternal life.

Among the non-Christian religious traditions that are large enough to be analyzed, most say many religions can lead to eternal life.

Most Christians who say many religions can lead to eternal life also say non-Christian religions can lead to heaven. In fact, half of all Christians say some non-Christian faiths can lead to eternal life, while about four-in-ten say either that theirs is the one true faith leading to eternal life or that only Christianity can result in everlasting life. About one-in-ten Christians express no opinion or provide other views on these matters.

Two-thirds of Catholics (68%) and mainline Protestants (65%) say some non-Christian religions can lead to eternal life, as do 59% of Orthodox Christians. This view is less common among other Christian groups. Roughly four-in-ten members of historically black Protestant denominations (38%) say some non-Christian religions can lead to eternal life, as do three-in-ten evangelical Protestants and Mormons (31% each). Very few Jehovah’s Witnesses (5%) believe this.

Religion and Morality

When looking for answers to questions about right and wrong, more Americans say they turn to practical experience and common sense (45%) than to any other source of guidance. The next most common source of guidance is religious beliefs and teachings (33%), while far fewer turn to philosophy and reason (11%) or scientific information (9%).

Since the 2007 Religious Landscape Study, however, the share of U.S. adults who say they turn to practical experience has decreased by 7 percentage points (from 52% to 45%) while the share who say they look to religious teachings has increased by 4 points (from 29% to 33%). This turn to religious teachings as a source of moral guidance has occurred across many religious traditions, with the largest increases among evangelical Protestants and Catholics.

Six-in-ten or more evangelical Protestants, Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses say they turn to religious teachings and beliefs for moral guidance. Members of historically black Protestant churches are more divided: 47% say they rely on religious teachings while 41% rely on practical experience. Fewer Catholics (30%), mainline Protestants (29%) and Orthodox Christians (27%) turn primarily to religion for guidance on questions of right and wrong.

Fewer religious “nones” now say they use common sense and practical experience as their main source of guidance in this area (57%) than said this in 2007 (66%). But instead of finding guidance through religious teachings, more of the “nones” are turning to scientific information; the share who say they rely on scientific information has increased from 10% to 17% in recent years. The reliance on science is most common among self-identified atheists; one-third of this group (32%) relies primarily on scientific information for guidance on questions of right and wrong.

Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults (64%) say that whether something is right or wrong depends on the situation, while a third say there are clear and absolute standards for what is right or wrong. In 2007, a different question about moral absolutes found that 39% of Americans completely agreed with the statement “there are clear and absolute standards for what is right and wrong.”

While Christians overall are more likely than members of other religious groups to say there are absolute standards for right and wrong, there are large differences within Christianity. Nearly six-in-ten Mormons (57%) and Jehovah’s Witnesses (57%) say there are clear standards for right and wrong. Evangelical Protestants are divided in their opinions, with 50% saying there are absolute standards and 48% saying it depends on the situation. Fewer Orthodox Christians (33%), mainline Protestants (32%), Catholics (30%) and members of the historically black Protestant tradition (29%) say there are clear and absolute standards of right and wrong.

Among members of non-Christian faiths, about three-quarters assert that determining right from wrong is often situational. Similarly, more than eight-in-ten atheists and agnostics express this view, as do three-quarters of those whose religion is “nothing in particular.”

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Importance of Religion in Life

Religion plays a very important role in every aspect of human life irrespective of place and culture. Religion remains the most important element in the basic human character building. Centres of worship have always shaped human life in different ways and influenced human towards doing various things in a positive manner and help maintain a social culture of respect towards the community. Religion has dominated as an important factor in our lives in determining the human behaviour. Religion is not a mere necessity, but a very significant part of human life and influences our lives in one way or the other. Religion has both cultural as well as a moral impact on our lives. Most people would find it very tough to live without religion or spirituality, on the other hand, there are peoples who find it hard to follow it because of various religious rules and practices that need to be followed.

Religion is something that everyone practices in their own way and with own rituals. A look at some of the most ancient and beautiful buildings of the world reveals that they have religious significance. Ancient tombs, churches, cathedrals, synagogues, account for some of the wonders of the world and are obviously related to religious beliefs. There are people who are willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of religion. There are also some who leave aside their businesses, jobs and family to follow a Godly path. There are others who even renounce the world, their families and everything they own just to follow some religious beliefs or paths which would bring them nearer to God.

Religion is something that plays an important role in the life of a person and acts as a light to guide people through the tunnels of life and bring them to light at the other end, it is believed that when all the opportunities close their doors then it is god that opens all the doors for prosperous opportunities and a religious person is never alone as God is always there to help honest religious people. Religion is important to not only guide people through life but necessary for people to reflect on the meaning of life and what they really want out of life and what is the purpose of their life.

Functions of Religion

Every religion, be it Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism or Islam stresses the need for some moral values which can balance your life and lead you to follow the path of righteousness and prohibits its followers from doing wrong things. Every religion teaches its followers to choose right over wrong, good over evil, truth over lies, and live in peace and harmony in the world leaving aside all the bad deeds and evil practices. Our religion gives us a clear understanding of our basics and our evolution and tells us about the right path to follow to make our life meaningful and enjoyable.  Religion teaches us all the moral values that need to be learnt to live with our family and with the outside world. It would not be wrong to say that religion is a moral responsibility of every parent and teacher, to inculcate religious beliefs and practices among children, bring God fearing and loving children into the world that will carry religious values and teachings with them all the days of their lives. Religion basically shows us the way to live our lives in a proper way and it gives meaning as to why we are put on this earth. Various other functions of religion are:

• Religion Enhances Self-Importance:   Religion enhances the self-importance of a person, expands one's self to infinite proportions. Man unites himself with the Infinite and feels ennobled. The society also gains from the self-flattery provided by religious belief and man tends to become aware of his willpower. Religion assures a greater reward in the afterlife to worldly failures than to successful life and hence motivates one towards good causes as well. Such kind of assurance encourages members to continue to play their part in society.
• Religion Explains Individual Suffering:  To understand the reasons for your suffering and your purpose of life, it is very important for a person to have religious knowledge that empowers a person to find answers to these questions. Man does not live by knowledge alone and is an emotional creature; we are related to our moral behaviour more openly than our academic fields. Religion serves to the emotions of the man in times of his sufferings and disappointment when we become confused about sufferings in our life and do not know which way to choose. On God religion puts faith and entertains the belief that some unseen power moves in mysterious ways to make even his loss meaningful and sufferings meaningful and the reason behind the suffering is revealed. In this way , religion gives release from sorrow and release from fear. It helps man to bear his frustration and integrate his personality with the proper knowledge of all the deeds and misdeeds with the reason for sufferings.
• Religion Encourages Social Welfare:   Religion is not only limited to self-purification or service towards God, but religion is also far more than what people usually expect. Though religion helps an individual realize the purpose of his life and introduces with some universal truths of life, religion has also performed some other services to humanity like the provision of work, the priesthood often dedicated to art and culture. Religion also promotes community service and service towards the needy people. The priesthood lays the foundation of this by helping out the needy ones. It also fulfils the functions of scholars and scientists related to art and culture as in ancient times religious places were the only places to impart education. Religion has served humanity through the spreading of education and also creating the habit of charity among the people who open many charitable institutions like hospitals, rest houses, temples and to help the poor. Religion promotes the helping hand. It is not only in Hindu culture, that promotes helping the needy in fact every religion has a space for some charity work wherein all the preachers are encouraged to participate with full enthusiasm.
• Religion holds Social Control:   Social behaviour of a community to a large extent depends upon their behaviour and religion. Religion is the main source or the block of social behaviour of a human. A person learns most from his ancestors or predecessors, and religion is something related to mans cultural background. Religion provides a model for the life  following which a person can lead a healthy and prosperous life that would be cherished able for him, his family and community as well. It upholds certain ideals and values for life. The believer practices these ideals and values in his life for a happy and healthy life. Religion can help youth generation to become moral, disciplined and socialized citizens of society. Following the religious path , a person can well balance his social life towards leading a prosperous life with great respect in society and his community.

Role of Religion

The religion provides a framework to pass a decent and happy life in the light of universal principles and guidelines. Every religion teaches its followers to choose right over wrong, good over evil, truth over lies, and live a prosperous life with peace and harmony. Religion tends to teach us all the moral values that need to be learnt to live in a social atmosphere where you interact with outer human beings also. It would not be wrong to say that, religion is the central element in the life of civilization. Throughout the ages, it is proof of its values and teachings. Religion has been the propagator of basic values and ethical code which provide an individual with an opportunity to make him presentable and respectable in society and enhance his overall personality. Religion most importantly leads man towards a consciousness of moral responsibility towards his family or society in everything he does, whether great or small. There is a constant stress on the establishment of right and the abolition of wrong in every religion, hence various roles can be:

• Principles of Morality:   Religion plays an important part towards promotion of the principles of morality like justice, honesty, brotherhood, equality, tolerance, sacrifice, help to the needy people and other kindred virtues. A true religion always encourages its followers towards a righteous path that is beneficial for one and all. These principles hold a very important place in our lives and are the virtues without which, not only our life will lose its order and normalcy but it is very likely to be turned into a chaos, something that no one would cherish and also bring along a feeling of hatred from others. Though it is possible to acquire these moral and social qualities without the aid of religion, certainly in the absence of firm religious belief, these values appear to lose their meaning and become series recommendations without any particular reason or explanation. In such a case they do not amount to more than a piece of advice that is commonly termed as a lecture and discarded by everyone. Hence the association of morality with religion holds a great importance. These qualities are rather based on an internal feeling and faith and are naturally beyond the scope of the ordinary law.
• Motivation Towards Life:  Religion provides power for facing various adversities of life and serves as a defensive wall against undesirable reactions of despair and hopelessness. A religious man, with firm belief , never finds himself in lack of motivation and emotional support even in the worst moments of his life, because he knows well that he is under the protection of superpower. With true faith it is not difficult to find a solution to any problem and every deadlock can be resolved with faith, we can overcome every disappointment and hopelessness with a positive attitude that is provided to us by Almighty. Religion gives the power to overcome a difficult situation, this is the reason, that a truly religious man never suffers from the reactions of desperation like suicide, nervous breakdown or psychic ailments which are products of frustration and defeatism, no matter how tough the situations can get for him.
• Abolish Discrimination:  Every Religion strongly opposes any kind of discrimination based on colour, race or class, because religion always regards all human beings as God's creation and every country as God's country. According to religious beliefs, all enjoy God's love and kindness equally and as such, all are equal, no man can be superior to another man on the basis of his colour, race, descent, language or class. Religion always inculcates a feeling of brotherhood and helpfulness towards the needy people. Though the problem of discrimination still prevails in the world but provided religious study never encourage this type of behaviour, the community has led to much-sophisticated approach towards the discrimination and always discourage such behaviour among humans.
• Provides Ideology:   Man cannot live his whole life under the belief of false superstitions and ideological vacuum. Without proper religious teachings , his intellectual life is not filled with sound beliefs and healthy teachings. Understanding one’s religion gives a clear ideology and clears all the superstitious beliefs. Superstitious and even destructive ideas may find a way into spiritual firmament and may forever pollute the human brain. Instances of man's tendency towards diverse superstitions and credulity regarding the influence of irrational things over destiny can be witnessed even in the lives of world intellectuals. Hence proper ideology is something that can save us from all of these things and helps to distinguish between what can be right or wrong for us.

Conclusion The key element in the running of countries and societies is religion. Even not believing in religion is a religion. Religion defines who we are and what we do. Making religion important in your life can lead to a life of love, joy, compassion, and service. True religion is not about the dogmas of the religion but is about the teachings and how they tell you to live your life. If religion is important in anyone's life, it should be evident in their behaviour, not just in their words. It is not important to tell that how much you love God, but what matters the most is to show your love in the way you treat your fellow humans because we all are his creation. If religion is truly important in anyone's life, the fruits should be seen by all.

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Updated On: 19-Sep-2018

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Home / Essay Samples / Religion / Christian Worldview / Role of Religion in Our Lives: Exploring the Faith and the Sin

Role of Religion in Our Lives: Exploring the Faith and the Sin

• Category: Religion
• Topic: Christian Worldview , God , Sin

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