Effects of Religion

The effects of organized religion can be both profoundly beneficial and extremely negative to society. Religious groups and organizations positively affect society, in that they teach love and tolerance and are also instrumental in combating social problems. Religious groups can be invaluable to all levels of society because churches are willing to offer financial support, counseling and to help people in need. A great example of this is the ministry of Franklin Graham. His “Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God’s love. Since 1993, more than 61 million shoe boxes have been packed, shipped, and delivered across the globe” (Graham, Franklin, N.D).

Unfortunately Religion has also played a major part in some of the most devastating events in world history. It has caused hatred, segregation, confrontations and friction where divided groups feel superior and want to wipe out entire nations. Throughout our history there have been many events in which individuals or groups have been persecuted for their choice of faith. One such event was the systematic mass murder of European Jews, Catholics, Protestants, Jehovah’s witness’ and many others by the German Nazi Party during World War II known as “The Holocaust”. The Germans felt superior and that Jews along with other groups were inferior. They sought to eradicate any impurities or what they thought were wrong. The main premeditated focus of the holocaust was to wipe out the Jews. Over six million Jews were murdered purely for the fact they were of Jewish faith and at the same time many other people from other religious groups were killed also.

References:

Graham, Franklin. N.D. Operation Christmas Child. Samaritans purse. Retrieved June 11, 2009

from http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/index/