The Impact of Religion on Society

Religion has played a major role in shaping the laws and morals of human societies throughout history. It has affected concepts of cultural, ethical, social, and political matters, unifying communities and societies together. Religion has played a vital role in crafting society by fostering community, providing support to individuals, and helping individuals find meaning in their lives. This article will cover the positive and negative impacts of religion on society and provide a weighted judgment. 

Religion Stimulates Social Habits Within a Community

Religion offers society a concept of value and morality. It shows the concept of knowledge, thinking, reflection of decisions, choices, solutions, habits, freedom of knowledge, and more. Religion offers a framework for individuals to create ethical decisions and habits and helps integrate individuals seamlessly into these societies. Emilé Durkheim, a French sociologist, stressed that religion is ‘an agent of social control’, which strengthens social order. An example of this is the Ten Commandments from the Judeo-Christian tradition, which is internationally the most famous set of rules of ethical behavior. 

Social Solidarity and Community

Religion also brings society together as a community. This was also one of Durheim’s stressed insights, as he mentioned that it strengthens social cooperation in two ways. One, it gives individuals a common belief, morals, and values. Thus is ‘an important agent of socialization’. Two, the practice of religion, in a house of worship often brings people together, fostering a sense of community and partnership between people. Since religion also facilitates communication and social interactions within each other, it creates long-lasting and quality relationships. 

Greater Psychological and Physical Well-Being

Religion is often a source of comfort to people when in stressful situations and enhances their social interaction with individuals in society. Research shows that the elderly can benefit the most from believing in faith and religion. It is known that a bright attitude about life and illness from religion is predicted to benefit health outcomes and lower mortality rates. In addition, as religion is used as a moral and social help towards individuals, most happier and more content adults are more likely to use religion as its coping method, leading to less depression and anxiety. 

Inequality, Conflict, and Violence

Although religion can be a source of comfort and can help many different groups of people to strive for better health, it could also reinforce social inequality and conflict. According to Virginie Larousse from Le Monde, it is shown that men are held to a higher account than women, which does not fit in this day and age, and can even be seen as ‘misogynistic’. Religions can also promote social conflict, and the history of the world shows that individuals from nations or even societies go to war over religious disputes. Even though religion could be a source of peace, calm, and unity, it could also be war, torture, and violence. 

Conclusion

Even though there are people in the world who argue religion is a driving factor that contributes to social inequality, conflict, and violence, religion is the framework of society. For years, religion has upheld its moral rules and standings against society, helping to provide happiness, health, and unity to society. The impact of religion on society will always be a large factor, either negative or positive, therefore, it is not justified to say whether it has been a negative or positive one. 

Reference List

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Duncan, William C. “Why Religion Is Good for Society.” Sutherland Institute, 22 May 2024, sutherlandinstitute.org/why-religion-is-good-for-society/.

Josiah, Chikodi. Impact of Religion on Societal Value Development.

Larousse, Virginie. “Do Religions Legitimize Inequality between Men and Women?” Le Monde.fr, 12 Mar. 2023, www.lemonde.fr/en/religions/article/2023/03/12/do-religions-legitimize-inequality-between-men-and-women_6019003_63.html.

Pressbooks. “Sociological Perspectives on Religion.” Pressbooks.howardcc.edu, vol. 17.1, 8 Apr. 2016, pressbooks.howardcc.edu/soci101/chapter/17-3-sociological-perspectives-on-religion/.

Riviș-Tipei, Iosif. “The Role of Religion in Contemporary Society - Mapping a Research Itinerary.” RAIS Journal for Social Sciences |, vol. 7, no. 2, 2023, p. 2023, journal.rais.education/index.php/raiss/article/download/203/168/364, https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10206899.

“The Negative and Positive Effects of Religion.” Www.magiscenter.com, www.magiscenter.com/blog/positive-effects-of-religion.

“The Role of Religion in the Civil Rights Movements.” Center for American Progress, 9 June 2004, americanprogress.org/article/the-role-of-religion-in-the-civil-rights-movements/. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.