Effects of Religion

EFFECTS OF RELIGION

Stephanie Early

HUM/130

June 22, 2011

Christina Gruca

Axia College

Religion plays a major role in peoples lives today. People want to know there exists something they can rely on for faith and protection, especially during these trying times. Organized religion was set in place for good purposes, although most of world problems seem to stem from religion. When individuals are influenced they have the opportunity to accomplish great and even do some evil deeds. The problem is that some religions do not promote honorable and righteous behavior. Organized religion offers a variety of benefits but it also has many negative effects as well. Hate Crimes and War are two prime examples that organized religion has had on society.

War is an effect of organized religion, and there has been a wide variety of examples for us to relate to. The most popular war would have been The Crusades. “The effects of The Crusades was to release the Holy land and it influences both wealth and power of the Catholic Church, political matters, commerce, and social effects” (Meyers, 1889). The most current example of war based on religion is the Middle East Palenstine versus Israel. Some may argue this, but I think that slavery was a war based out of religion. Slave owners and traders believed that it was their right to capture and berate Africans because their religion taught them they were more advanced and better than them. Organized religion was put into place to unite and bring peace through scripture or morality lessons. But as a direct result, it has begun to cause widespread separation, stereotypes, and war among people on a national and world level.

Another form of organized religion that is affected is hate crimes. When the September 11, event took place many Muslim and Arab descendants were the target and victims of these crimes. A number of people targeted and treated them as if they were the terrorists responsible for the terrible event. Innocent...