Religion: A tool for unity and morals

Religion plays an important role in society as it sets the standards of morality and also unites people together under a common or similar principle. In accordance with Emile Durkheim’s theory on the social function of religion, religious practices can be seen as a reflection of the activities that take place in society and the concerns of the people in it. Although there are different types of religion, the customs and traditions observed helps people to reach a similar feeling of fulfillment from religion. This paper will therefore focus on how religion brings people together through its customs and traditions regardless of the varying beliefs that people have and also the religious practices observed.

            Durkheim strongly believes that understanding religion could help create a better understanding of society and the members in it. Take totemism as an example. The religion was common among Australian aboriginals where different clans regarded different objects as sacred (Module VI, n.d). The objects comprised of things that the aboriginals interacted with on a regular basis such as plans or animals. While the sacred objects may have differed, the influence that religion had on the people as well as the control it had on decisions made and practices, they engage in proves that religion has the ability to bring people together. Although some differences may exist in how people practice religion, it is common for people to respect these differences due to the importance that religion holds (Module VI, n.d). As such, people are able to set aside differences that would bring conflict and in so doing, allow for the growth and expansion of communities. Engaging in similar religious practices creates some sense of unity and offers a platform where people can peacefully coexist despite their differences.

            The argument that religion plays the role of bringing people together and promoting peaceful coexistence is solidified by Freud’s argument in support of religion. According to Sigmund Freud, religion is the unconscious mind’s desire to attain fulfillment (Freud et al, 2012). He further argues that belief in God is based off of people’s desire to get rid of guilt and attains some form of security. Believing in a supreme being therefore offers a father figure who has the power to not only absolve people of guilt but also offers a guideline on how to live a secure and fulfilling life. It is this belief in God that unites people who share common beliefs and interests in society depending on the religious practices observed.

            On the topic of morals, Freud points out that, human beings possess instinctual urges that could have a negative impact on society if not controlled. The urges can be compared to the different objects that believers of totemism hold sacred. Similar to how varying sacred objects do not affect how people worship; the urges that people have come secondary to the overall morals and restrictions that each religion teaches (Durkheim, 2015). Durkheim adds on to this by pointing out how people are affected by issues such as individualism and weakening of the nation and family structure. In the past, morals were passed down to the young by parents and the pride one attaches to a country. The importance of the family and loyalty to a country has faced great criticism over time, leaving religion as a major determinant of the morals that people abide to in society.

            In the past, religion served the purpose of spreading Gods word and educating people through customs and traditions. Its role has however evolved over time as people rely on it to bring about unity and promote peaceful coexistence. The religious teachings in return help to set the benchmark on what is acceptable in accordance with the church. While religious practices and beliefs may differ, its role in uniting people and spreading morals continues to play a crucial role in the sustenance of human communities.

 

References

Durkheim E, (2015) “Sociology” The School of Life, retrieved from,           https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9W0GQvONKc&t=4s

Freud, S., Dufresne, T., Richter, G. C., & Pfister, O. (2012). The future of an illusion.       Peterborough, Ont: Broadview Press.

Module VI, (n.d) “Introduction to rituals”