Religion From A Historical Perspective Essay Research

Religion From A Historical Perspective Essay, Research Paper

Religion From a Historical PerspectiveWhen one looks at religion in a history text, it becomes clear that the effects of that particular religion are twofold. Some argue that religion is a necessity for the existence for morality, which in itself unquestionably serves mankind a great benefit. Another aspect that one sees when he studies religion from a historical perspective, is the way in which religion and the common scientific curiosity of humankind, our curiosity to understand how things work and why, often seems incongruent with the standards and traditions that religion dictates to a society. What we must do, in order to establish whether or not religion is a +good+ or a +bad+ thing, in a modern society of empirical knowledge that is often at odds with traditional religious beliefs, is to weigh the evidence. We must look at the beneficial, as well as the detrimental aspects, weigh them with respect to each other, and come up with an acceptable conclusion. Religion, in modern societies, is still able to function in several ways that are beneficial. One of the better arguments deals with the fact that religion establishes a sense of morality, which often dictates social order. Religion sets the basis on which all actions can be judged. Supporters of this position assert that if one human was to kill another, without religion to establish the fact that this is a wrong thing to do, it would not be wrong. Without religion to establish morality, we would be no different than any other animal on Earth. It is what separates us and makes us different. The effect that can be seen from this is clearly beneficial. Morality serves as a benefit not to one, or only a small group of people, but it serves a great beneficial purpose to all people. The standards for morality that are established by religion are often emulated by jurisprudence, which is the basis for establishing laws. What is unique about this is that some feel that, religion aside, modern systems of government-enforced justice can supplant the necessity of religion. Many feel that jurisprudence can adequately replace the need for religion and set the standards of morality without the extra baggage often associated with religion. In many countries this has worked, although to different extents. Another beneficial aspect of religion is that it gives hope by giving a meaning and a purpose for existence. We are given the hope of a future life that is almost always better than our own, the only thing we need do is to follow the standards of morality set by religion. If we follow the rules, we get the reward. It gives purpose to existence in that it shows us a goal, and a means of achieving it. Without this incentive, humankind would not have any purpose for existence. This is probably the most convincing argument for the beneficial aspects of religion. If one is to judge whether or not religion is a +good+ or a +bad+ thing from a historical perspective, it is first necessary to establish what exactly constitutes good and bad. For this purpose let us use Christian definitions of good and bad. Most people know the ten commandments, which are rules that establish what one should, and should not do. Adultery, stealing, lying, and killing other people is bad. Treating your enemy better than he treats you is good. Loving your enemy is good. Philanthropy is good. Giving is good. These are what Christianity tells us is good and bad. These are the guidelines set for all Christians to live by. Another thing one must consider, when trying to understand if religion is beneficial or detrimental from a historical perspective, is whether or not modern society is better due to scientific discoveries. This is important because as scientific knowledge increases, it is rapidly becoming incongruent with the traditional religious views of Christianity. Evolution is one of the best examples of this. Should a modern society believe in evolution as fact, or should it believe in the story of Adam and Eve form the Bible. Would society be better believing one over the other. The are the questions which must be presented in order to decide whether or not religion from a historical perspective is beneficial or detrimental. Christianity tells us that killing, for any reason, is morally wrong. Despite this fact, however, many cultures and people around the world will attest to the fact that religious wars are the worst kind because they never end. Yet if one looks at the Crusades that occurred between the 11th and 14th centuries, Christians felt themselves justified in killing due to the fact that they were trying to preserve their homeland from falling to the Muslims. Yet doesn+t the Bible tell us to love our enemies just as much as our friends. And doesn+t it tell us that it is wrong to kill even our enemies.Another rule that Christianity teaches is that greed is bad. Jesus showed us that it is better to give to the needy thereby making yourself poor, than to keep material possessions to yourself. If this is indeed true, then why are churches built in such grandeur. In the Roman Catholic Church, indulgences were sold in order to forgive the sins of mankind while he was on Earth. They were only valid while the sinner was on Earth, therefore he was still accountable for his sins after death. The sale of indulgences, which provided a major source of income for the Roman Catholic Church, was subject to much