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The Profound Influence of Religion on the Life of Man |
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It is impossible to fully explore the vast subject of the influence of religion
on the life of man in a short essay, but it is evident that the major world
religions have impacted every aspect of human existence. The primary world
religions include Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Confucianism, and
Judaism, with primitive animistic beliefs and practices excluded from this
analysis.
Religion has influenced government throughout history, as evidenced by the early
Jewish Priests-Kings who claimed divine sanction for their decisions. This has
had a lasting impact on the Western theory of monarchy, with the concept of the
Divine Right of Kings based on New Testament social philosophy. Christianity was
once in opposition to the Roman Empire but eventually became the dominant
religion under Constantine, the first Christian monarch of the Holy Roman
Empire. While the temporal and spiritual functions of government have been
separated, the relationship between monarchs and religious authorities has
fluctuated throughout history. Today, many countries have adopted democratic
forms of government, with monarchs retaining only limited influence and powers
of sanction and veto.
Religion has also played a significant role in international affairs, as
demonstrated by the wars fought between the faithful of different religions,
such as the conflicts between Muslims, Jews, and Christians. Religion has been
both a direct cause of war and a cloak used to further political or economic
struggles. The Spanish Inquisition was an attempt to forcibly convert Protestant
prisoners to Catholicism, while religious massacres were commonplace in India in
the past. However, the democratic spirit of the modern world has allowed for
greater religious tolerance and the ability for people of different faiths to
live together in harmony.
Religion has also influenced social customs, with the Western weekend based on
the Christian Sunday and Bank Holidays having religious origins. However,
religion has had a more profound impact on social customs, producing the caste
system in India and contributing to the class system in Europe. Today, both
Hinduism and Christianity reject these arbitrary divisions among people, and the
theories of marriage and general conduct in social life are based on the
teachings of world religions.
Perhaps the most important influence of religion is on morality. Modern law is
based on a mixture of Roman law and religious principles, with moral law having
the final sanction of the Will of God. Each world religion has made its own
unique contribution to the sum-total of world morality, with certain moral
precepts being held in common. The Muslim faith teaches self-discipline, while
Hinduism promotes non-violence, Christianity preaches love, Buddhism focuses on
contemplation, and Confucianism emphasizes duties to society and family. The
most important commonly-held teaching is to behave towards others as we would
wish them to behave towards us.
In conclusion, the major world religions have had a profound influence on the
life of man, impacting government, international affairs, social customs, and
morality. Despite their differences, each religion has made a unique
contribution to the sum-total of world morality and will continue to be an
integral part of human existence. |
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