Because religion serves many fundamental purposes in human societies, it
is a cultural universal. It is a prerequisite for living in a group. These
include both overt and covert functions in terms of sociology. Determining the
spiritual realm and giving the divine meaning are among the manifest (open and
stated) purposes of religion.
Religion offers an explanation for things that are hard to comprehend.
Latent religious purposes, on the other hand, are undesired, secret, or hidden.
According to functionalists, religion is essential for society and the
individual because it fulfills both overt and covert purposes.
The following are some of the most significant roles that religion plays:
Integrative Force, Moral Community Building, Social Control, Rites of Passage,
Emotional Support, Legitimating Role, Psychologizing Role, Psychotherapy, Agent
of Social Change, Agent of De-Stigmatization, etc.
Here are the 10 Most Significant Functions of Religion
1. Mindfulness is facilitated by religion
Life is unpredictable. Amid the dangers, insecurities, and uncertainties,
he fights for his life. At times, he feels helpless. In all of these times of
adversity, it is his religion that comforts and inspires him. The right shelter
comes from religion. He receives mental tranquility and emotional support. It
inspires him to confront his issues and his life.
2. It inculcates social virtues
Truth, honesty, nonviolence, service, love, discipline, and other
important social virtues are promoted by religion. An adherent of a particular
religion internalizes these virtues and develops into a responsible member of
society.
3. Religion fosters social cohesion
Brotherhood is fostered by religion. According to Durkheim, religion
fosters social cohesion. A. W. Geen also emphasized that in human society,
religion is the most powerful force for integrating and validating. True, there
is a lot of shared sentiment, common belief, worship, ritual participation,
etc. are the key clinging elements that support solidarity and unity.
4. Religion transforms the characteristics of animals into those of
humans
The spirit of self-service is ingrained in religion. It demands that
people act charitably and generously. He forgets about problems in the outside
world through various religious experiences. Through this experience, man's
animal instincts are subdued and transformed into human traits.
5. Religion functions as a socialization and social control agent
According to Parsons, one of the most significant socialization and
social control agents is religion. It plays a big part in planning and guiding
social life. It supports the upholding of social norms and the development of
social control. It performs various forms of control over both the individual
and the group as well as socialization of the individual. Religion controls
people's behavior in its own unique way through informal means. churches,
mosques, gurdwaras, and other religious institutions. likewise have different
levels of control over people's behavior.
6. Welfare is promoted by religion
People are taught through religion to put others first and advance their
welfare. That "serving humanity is serving God" is the message it
conveys. People spend money to feed the poor and those in need because of this.
great religions like Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism, among others. emphasize
giving to the needy and begging people. As a result, the concept of cooperation
and mutual aid is introduced, developing people's philanthropic attitudes. Due
to their religious beliefs, various religious organizations participate in a
range of charitable endeavors.
7. Religion provides entertainment
Religion has a charming influence on how people pass their leisure time.
Every religion practices religious rites and festivals that, in some way,
relieve people from mental strain. In a similar vein, religious sermons,
kirtans, bhajans, and concerts that end with hymns are all acceptable. gives
people a lot more pleasure and offers them endless entertainment.
8. Economy and religion are related
The connection between religion and the economic system was correctly
established by sociologists like Max Weber and Sombart. Weber noted how
Protestant ethics impacted the rise of capitalism. Sombart discovered this
spirit of capitalism in Jewish customs. In protestant countries, but not in
nations like India, Pakistan, etc., capitalism grew due to the distinctive
religious principles of Christianity.
9. Political system is influenced by religion
In both ancient and modern societies, religion has been a major factor in
the political system. Political activities are still influenced by religion,
both directly and indirectly, in many modern-day nations. The monarchs were
governing society in the name of God during the ancient and medieval periods,
or treating themselves as the representatives of God. Political leaders still
swear allegiance to God when taking an oath. the political systems of nations
around the world like Bhutan, Pakistan, Italy, Germany, and England, etc.
religious beliefs have an impact.
10. Self-confidence is strengthened by religion
Self-confidence can be boosted through religion. The notions that
"work is worship," "duty is divine," "results are predestined,"
etc. which is present in many religions gives the individual strength and
fosters confidence.
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