Whether you are a Christian, Muslim or an atheist, you probably believe that religion is important and should be practiced in our society. What are some of the benefits of religion?
Social control
During colonial America, religion pervaded every aspect of life. This, according to Max Assimeng in his book Religion and Social Change in Ghana, was a result of religion’s social control. Religion’s control over society is a result of its ability to make social inequalities appear like “God’s will.”
While religion and social control are not incompatible, their relationship is far from perfect. Although some scholars argue that religion has the ability to control criminals, their findings are not always consistent. Moreover, many of their studies lack overt political aims.
Moral behavior
Historically, religion and morality have been closely intertwined. While there are differences, many religions and religious traditions have value frameworks for personal behavior. These frameworks can guide people in making right and wrong choices.
Religious values frameworks often involve beliefs about the supernatural. Depending on the religious tradition, these frameworks may be derived from oral traditions, holy books, or even religious leaders. They can also appeal to reason.
Animism
Animism is a religion that includes beliefs in spiritual beings, sacred forces, and taboos. It is also a form of necrolatry, or the worship of the souls of the dead. This practice is common in many indigenous cultures.
Animism is a religion because it focuses on spiritual forces that are present in nature. Some religions use these powers to make things happen, while others have limited general application. Some animist religions, such as indigenous Animism, are very culturally focused while others focus on practical needs.
Totemism
Among the earliest of social organizations are the totem clans. A totem is a symbolic object or animal which has sacred status and is worshipped by a tribe. Usually, totems are patrilineal and hereditary from father to son.
Totemism can be defined as a complex of beliefs, customs, and ways of behaviour. It is based on a worldview derived from nature and includes mystical and reverential relationships, ideological and genealogical relationships, as well as emotional and ideological relationships.
Atheism
Whether or not a person believes in God is a very important question in his or her life. There are different approaches to this topic within different religious denominations.
One approach is to examine the religions of others. The goal is to understand why people believe what they believe. For example, some people believe in the version of truth that has been handed down to them. For others, faith leads them to the belief that there is only one version of truth.
Polytheism
Often described as the opposite of monotheism, polytheism is a belief system that relies on a pantheon of gods. The word is derived from Greek polus, meaning many, and theos, meaning god. Its origins are unclear, but scholars have generally defined it as an evolutionary stage between animistic beliefs and monotheism.
Polytheism can be found in various cultures, but its main manifestations are found in advanced societies. Among the most famous examples of ancient polytheistic religion are the Greek/Roman pantheon and Hinduism.