the role of religion in society

Religion serves several functions for society. These include (a) giving meaning and purpose to life, (b) reinforcing social unity and stability, (c) serving as an agent of social control of behavior, (d) promoting physical and psychological well-being, and (e) motivating people to work for positive social change.

It is well understood that religion serves the purpose of giving people a sense of responsibility to a greater being or power, the creator, and ruler of all life forms, or rather the Supreme Being. From this perspective, it is evident for one to see that religion serves the purpose of promotion of human morality and other associated norms of acceptable social behavior. The principles of morality in existence, and which traverse the core ideologies of most religions include but are not limited to righteousness, justice, kindness, honesty, tolerance, brotherhood, and equality. These principles are also known as virtues, which serve the purpose of ensuring human beings live happy and fulfilling lives (Davie, 2013).

Several people have come up with different theories on religion. To further look at the subject matter of the role of religion in society, this paper will review a few of those theories. More specifically, the theories or viewpoints of Marx, Weber, and Durkheim will be considered for this discussion. According to Durkheim, religion poses as a system of beliefs, norms, and practices that are unified and about sacred things. These beliefs unite people to form a moral community such as the church for instance. Weber on the other hand credits religion for serving to shape the worldviews of individuals. In some way, Weber observes religion as a system of beliefs that fills the gap of intelligence of the unknown. The unknown, in this case, refers to matters like the origin of life, what happens to the spirits of people after death, and the origin of the universe among other things. These beliefs, which fill an ideological vacuum, are responsible for the convictions that religious people experience. Then again, Marx’s theory of religion sees religion as a sanctuary where people can be relieved from the harshness of life, as they know it. The renowned scholar even once termed religion as the “opium of the people” (Davie, 2013). As such, and according to Marx, religion implores people to accept the true realities of difficulties and challenges in life with hope for happiness and rewards from the Devine.

Aside from the postulations of the theorists, it is safe to say that the role of religion has experienced some changes over time. During medieval times, religion played role in determining approaches to governance and administration much more than the principles of morality. In modern times, however, religion plays the role of upholding the virtues above in society. In the recent past, however, and especially in the developed nations of the West, like the United States, religion seems to be playing more of a ceremonial role. The people have become too open-minded to adopt some individualistic worldviews. The effect is apparent, even in the law, which now allows gay marriages, gun possession, and abortion among others.