Religion Does More Good Than Harm | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Religion Does More Good Than Harm

Religion vs Spirituality

6950
Religion Does More Good Than Harm
Dalya Odem

Recently I have heard a lot from people around me about being spiritual rather than religious. I even read an interesting Twitter "fact" about Millennials being the least religious generation ever and how the US is the least religious it's ever been. While I'm not sure about the evidence of this, it sure does sound accurate. Many people see this as a great thing. That science is prevailing and ignorance is dying out. The fact that it could be true that we are the least religious we've ever been is understandable due to all the technological advancements we've made over the past 100 years. What makes me sad is that people see this as a good thing.

I do agree that technological advancements are good for us. While I'm a historian by heart, who takes more to art and literature than science and engineering, I do understand the need for scientific advancements. It helps save lives and helps us better understand the world we live in. I don't, however, understand why this means we have to become a less religious society. When did it become vogue to not go to church or to identify with a religion?

Over the years it has become more and more mainstream to not believe in a higher power at all. With these scientific advancements has come more "proof" that a higher power doesn't exist. While this is true of many people in our society, others have simply said they believe in a higher power but don't want to be a part of a religious establishment. There are many reasons why they believe religion does more harm than good. For example, it keeps people ignorant, it teaches helplessness, and it is power-hungry. These reasons, however, are just not true. Religion doesn't do more harm than good, it does quite the opposite.

To say religion keeps people ignorant is itself, ignorant. Religion doesn't keep its followers in the "Iron Age of rampant superstition, ignorance, inequality, racism, misogyny, and violence," (Tarico). Yes, people who are religious sometimes use the name of religion to justify racism and misogyny, but that should not and does not discredit the entire idea of religion. While some churches teach that science is false, it doesn't mean religion itself is holding the world back of technological advancements. Everyone is responsible for understanding the role of science in our lives, everyone has their own beliefs, and that's fine. It has been made very clear the scientific advancements we have made as a society and it is up to each person to understand this information.

Religion does the opposite of teaching helplessness. It teaches us that there is always someone there to listen to us, to hear our problems. We are never alone nor helpless. People argue that "giving it God" keeps people from changing the bad situation they're in. They say having the belief that the things that happen to you are the work of God and He has our best interests at heart means people won't try and solve their own problems. This argument makes me the saddest. I hate to know that people think they can solve all of their problems on their own. That is helplessness to me. I am comforted by the knowledge that I can go to God with all of my burdens, fears, regrets, worries, stresses, hopes, dreams and aspirations, knowing that He can handle everything I throw at Him. I am 100% supported, not helpless.

The biggest argument I sometimes hear against religion is that it is power-hungry. The Catholic church gets attacked the most for it, I believe. For almost two millenniums, the Catholic church has been the largest Christian organization in the world. There have been good and bad times in this history but to say the greediness of many church leaders is the reason to stay away from religion all together, is crazy. So you don't like huge mega-churches who "advertise God like a product and only want to make a profit." Go to a smaller one where you can get to know everyone there. If you think small-town churches are "small minded and teach the ideals of the Iron Age", maybe go to a more "mega-church" where you get to meet so many new people and experience new things. Don't assume all churches are a certain way without knowing them personally.

Being religious rather than just spiritual gives people a sense of community. To be connected with a community who believes in the same ideals as you is comforting. To know that you are supported by an entire community, organization and/or world religion makes one feel like they belong to something. Being Catholic I have always loved the idea that what I experience at mass in Kentucky is the same as what someone just like me experiences in Paris, Madrid, Buenos Aries, and Rome. To know that you are a part of something bigger than you is humbling and I think it brings you closer to God. Going to your neighborhood temple every Sabbath, where you see people with whom you share your values and culture, and where you can go to a rabbi for advise, is comforting.

Religion, rules and all, is more beneficial when taken a la carte. To be "spiritual rather than religious" gives you the ability to pick and choose which rules you want to follow and which practices to believe in. While you should find what you believe to be true, make sure your faith is to help yourself find your higher power and your connection with that higher power, rather than it just be an excuse to not go to church, temple, synagogue or mosque, or to eat whatever food you want.

The idea that religion is a bad thing is a strictly North American-Western European idea - like many of our so-called problems today. Around the world, religion is central to society and brings communities together. In Africa, local religions are central to community gatherings and teaching. In Central and South America, religion is part of daily life for most people. The idea of Liberation Theology came out of this area and it emphasizes liberation from social, political, and economic oppression as an anticipation of ultimate salvation (Britannica). Religion brings hope and peace to an area of great turmoil.

The idea that religion is bad is a new idea as well- a post-Enlightenment idea. From the beginning of history, religion has been a part of society and culture. The Gods were worshiped and feared for millenniums as a part of life throughout the world. To say this was all unnecessary, it inhibited growth, or we should do away with it is funny to me. Religion since the beginning of recorded history has been a part of our lives, good and bad, and just because we have large scientific and technological advancements doesn't mean religion is a thing of the past.

Before you proudly state that you are spiritual rather than religious or that you think religion does more harm than good, please know that religion does a lot of good in the world. It brings people together and gives people hope and faith when they feel there is none. Finally, make sure you are being spiritual to find your connection with your higher power and not to avoid responsibility.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

16987
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7287
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5351
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4666
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments