THE FUNCTIONS OF RELIGION

 

          THE FUNCTIONS OF RELIGION

“Religion” is defined as the belief in the existence of a god, and the activities that are connected with His worship.

Whereas the Supreme God is one, there are many other  gods and goddesses who are worshipped for different purposes.

As on today, there are twelve major religions. They are known as : Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Judaism, Confucianism, Baha’i, Taoism and Zoroastrianism.

 The main purpose of religion is defined as “to achieve the goals of salvation for oneself and others, and (if there is a God) to render due worship and obedience to God. “

I believe that all religions should have at least one common purpose and that is to teach its followers a perfect moral behavior and make them ideal members of society.

Almost every religion condemns sin, viciousness, hatred, greed, gluttony, violence, revenge, destabilization, conflicts, war, blasphemy, adultery, lack of charity, non-compassion and disunity.

Great religions like Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Sikhism, believe in the oneness of God and the whole world as one family.

Empathy, helpfulness, mercy and justice are the chief attributes of certain religions.

Every religion believes in the existence of a god or a creator of this world. Some spiritual leaders like Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) define God as Truth.  

Religion and science must act together in search of Truth. Without science some religious practices  become a group of superstitions and myths.

Religions should unite not divide society.  One of their chief purpose is relationship between people and a higher power.

English Quaker William Penn (1644-1718) said : Religion is the fear and love of God; its demonstration is good works; and faith in the root of both, for without faith we cannot please God; nor can we fear and love what we do not believe.

   Finally, this short quote on religion: Science has made the world a great neighbourhood, but religion must make it a great brotherhood.

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G. R. Kanwal

16 November 024