What Role Does Religion Play in Sociology and How Does it Effect Our Everyday Lives Or Does It Explain - Essay Example

What Role Does Religion Play in Sociology and How Does it Affect Our Everyday Lives? Human life in this world is controlled by many parameters such as religion, politics, culture, media etc. Even though the influence of religion in human life appears to be decreasing at some part of the world, it is increasing at other part of the world. In America like liberal societies, the influence of religion in social life seems to be diminishing whereas in countries such as Afghanistan or Saudi Arabia, the influence of religion in social life is increasing.

This paper analyses the role played by religion in our social life. Before doing some activity, some thoughts in favour and some thoughts against the activity will usually go through our mind. For example, suppose a person tries to engage in a same sex marriage relationship. According to religious point of view, such relationships cannot be justified whereas in sociological perspectives, there may be nothing wrong it. It should be noted that in Canada like countries same sex marriage is legally permissible whereas in countries dominated by religion such as Saudi Arabia or Afghanistan, it is illegal to establish such relationships.

In other words, the increased role of religion in social life may force people to follow certain moral laws. On the other hand, in countries where religion plays fewer roles, moral principles are exhausting. Religion is the first sense of community. Your sense of community occurs by reason of mutual experience with others. Where the religious sense of community and with it real trust and integrity can be destroyed then that society is like a sand castle unable to defend itself against the inexorable sea (Hubbard).

People get knowledge about the good and evil from religions. In other words, religions educate people about how to lead successful social life. Since science and technology failed miserably in unveiling the mysteries surrounding life after death, majority of the people rely heavily one religious teaching to shape their life in order to get a better life after their death. In other words, the uncertainties about life after death forced the public to obey the rules and regulations of religions. In the absence of religions or the concepts of God, public would have lead a crazy life.

No society can survive long if the people behave in a crazy manner. Violence, robbery and sexual abuse like antisocial activities will definitely increase if religions loss their control over society. In other words, religions help social cohesion. Even though different religions may have different norms and customs, it should be noted that social life in religion dominated places are more peaceful than other regions. It should be noted that crime rates in Saudi Arabia is extremely low compared to that in other parts of the world.

At the same time, increased influence of religion may affect social life negatively also. Even though crime rates in Saudi like religion dominated countries are less, it should be noted that people enjoy less freedom in such countries. Moreover, increase influence of religion in politics and social life will create conflicts between religions and cultures. The on-going Israel-Palestine conflict, the current war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan, the 9/11 incident and the Mumbai terrorist attack are some of the examples which underlines the negative influence of religion upon social life.

To conclude, religions impact social life both positively and negatively. Religions help social cohesion and strict observance of moral principles. At the same time religions can create cultural conflicts also. Works CitedHubbard, Ron. L. Religious Influence In Society”. 2008.