Question

Is one better off believing in God? What are good things that result from religion? What are the bad things that result from religion? Does the good outwiegh the bad? 200 word minimum.

Answer 1

Religion is defined as a social institution that is composed of a set of beliefs and practices regarding sacred or supernatural things that help a society understand the meaning and purpose of life. Religion as an institution passes on knowledge and structure to future generations. This social institution inculcates virtues in people so that they become good, productive members of their society. Another positive about religion is that it works as an agent of social control and regulate the behaviour of people that in turn strengthens social order. On the negative front, religion makes people fearful. They are always afraid of whether their actions are right according to religion or not. The fear of being placed in the hell is playing on the mind. This is turn causes worry and anxiety and does not allow people to live spontaneously. Another negative aspect associated with religion is that of an instigator of conflict and violence. So, while there are both negative and positive associated with religion. I would argue that positive aspect outweighs the negative aspect. Religion is an important avenue of socialization. It is the social institution through which a society teaches its members the skills, knowledge, norms, and values.