Is Religion Good or Bad? : An Argument

Running head: IS RELIGION GOOD OR BAD? : AN ARGUMENT
IS RELIGION GOOD OR BAD? : AN ARGUMENT
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1IS RELIGION GOOD OR BAD? : AN ARGUMENT
According to Schuelka, (2013) Religion can be termed as beliefs and practices of worship of
a transcendental being, supposedly God, which is believed to be controlling the universe. Throughout
ages, till the industrial revolution, religion has played a paramount and pivotal role in shaping the
society all over the world. The relationship between religion and development is deep rooted to their
complications and complexities. It has been observed that aspects of religion has been an arena of
motivation as well as development. Despite of the negativities of religion, it has proved to be a
building block of development in many developed, developing and underdeveloped countries.
Advocacy, empowerment, philanthropic funding, discoveries and social movements have always
been an integral part of religion, though there has been dichotomy as well. The respective essay
observes and introspects the positive and the negative contribution of religion in development of the
society and the role played by religion in shaping the world.
History has record of literature that reflects the progressive movements that occurred in the
past with the help of religion. For instance, conversion of Asoka to Buddhism and his teachings on
“Dhamma” has preached communal harmony and social integrity. According to Ali, (2015) the
secular views of Moghul emperor Akbar during the fifteenth and sixteenth century challenged
fundamentalism of religions. Faith in religion, no matter how ambiguous it may sound, has proved
and continues to prove an agent of psychosomatic well-being of an individual or a community.
Religious faith has been noticed to be a path of self-realisation, self-actualisation, tranquillity and
satisfaction among people from various walks of life. It has been observed by social scientists that
the marginal sections of the society has been found to be greatly influenced by religious faith. Instead
of complaining over their misfortunes, they rather, select being stoic and feel obliged towards the
“little mercies” supposedly offered to them by the Almighty. Though such way of thought might be
termed regressive in social dynamics, however, it cannot be denied that such thoughts are still
considered the factors that help in maintaining integrity and harmony among people from various

2IS RELIGION GOOD OR BAD? : AN ARGUMENT
classes of the society. As stated by Paloutzian and Pak, (2014) certain social scientists and
psychiatrists observed that religious customs, ceremonies and practices have helped people cope with
depression, anxiety and other psychological disorder in a greater extent. Religious practices are also
observed to be aiding in nourishment of certain aspects of human development, such as knowledge,
holistic well-being, safety and security, empowerment and philanthropic activities.
According to Jones, (2013) Enterprises (global, national, local and regional) that are run by
religious groups and faith organisations have significantly played an optimistic role in the fields of
education, relief management in case of any calamities and production of non-market goods.
Religious organisations have also been seen to induce faith, cultural and moral values and ethics
among the masses, some even preaching for communal harmony and social integrity. In certain
cases, for instance, in educational sectors that are mentored by religious or faith-based organisations,
such as missionaries and convents are directly subsidised and run by churches or abbeys. In certain
countries, some government based organisations and television channels are also faith based that
work relentlessly in the field of all-over development of the society catering to humanitarian needs.
However, there are instances of exceptions as well. Certain religious institutions are known for their
notorious fundamentalist agendas and propagandas inciting communal hatred and xenophobia.
According to Chen and Tang, (2013) certain religious texts and manuscripts that are researched and
studied are known for preaching misogyny and class conflicts.
Though religion preaches generosity and religious institutions are considered agents of
advocacy and support, religious sentiments can also ignite fundamentalism and fascist thinking in the
mind of the masses. Religious people and institutions that are known to advocate innovation,
exploration, education, empowerment, philanthropy and social movements are also known for
igniting communal violence, propagate irrational and superstitious ideals, preach misogyny and
exhibit biasness in cases of providing services. Some religious organisations play role of agents of
conversion as well. According to Brandt & Van, (2017) development of a nation, or the global world