What Has Religion Really Done?

In class on Monday afternoon, we discussed religion and its effects on society. While religion may not be expressed by everyone in the same capacity, everyone has a right to exercise their respective religion as they see fit. In addition, it’s understandable as to why all people will not have the same religion. Amongst the billions of people in the world have hundreds of religious denominations to choose from, no one could or should expect every single person to choose the same one. The top monotheistic religions are Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. All three of those religions have various denominations with slightly different beliefs and values. Religion has been around almost as long as there have been people on this earth, and there are still controversies associated with it. The best thing religion has offered is unity, but it also has made way for separation as well. For many different stories of creation to be in existence, it’s a wonder no one has any idea what has actually happened. Religion is a controversial subject, to say the least. It has offered something people couldn’t even fathom at the time that they needed it: unity. It has also made way for something people would do best to avoid, because of the consequences it leads to: separation. People may not understand why or how religion can both unify and separate a society, but it has done so (and has done it well) for as long as there were people to oppose the “other” religion, whatever that may be. It unifies those who share the same beliefs and gives them a purpose and hope for their life. However, it also separates those same people from others who may not share the same beliefs. With all of this in mind, I believe that religious wars were started based solely on the fact that the people started them with the mind that they are merely asserting their belief system. I believe that people have the right to believe in whatever and whomever they choose to, so there should not be any wars about it. If someone else practicing their religious beliefs does not set a direct threat on your life, it should not pertain to you.