Question

There is a saying that “the purpose of religion is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.” What do you believe this means? Do you think contemporary religions succeed at this task? Give an example.

Answer 1

Religions held the reins of the governments and society for a very long time until the scientific advancements and technological advancements began to flourish. They held people under their control in the name of God and the punishment God would unleash on those who do not comply. . In the medieval times and colonial period, religion helped the colonizers to afflict the people in the colonised countries. Religion is supposed to uphold justice by protecting the innocent and punish the offenders. It was true until the religions had a control over the governments but today, religions are kept away from the governments and laws are made by those who are elected by people. Thus, religion only plays a role to conduct few rituals that people think are essential to keep the bad omens out and science has made more people turn their back to religions because people have started to understand that whatever religions use are only myths, stories and imaginations. So contemporary religions do not play the role mentioned in the statement.

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