Essay Sample on Religion's Impact on Identity, Morality, Worldview, and Attitudes

Introduction

Religion plays a great role in influencing an individual's identity, morality, worldview, and overall attitude towards others. A greater extent, religion significantly influences our personal beliefs and values. Religion has had a huge impact on the social and political institutions and systems. The growing impact of religion has also brought in its wake a wave of religious oppression. Religious differences have become significant social and cultural factors that have contributed to the rise in oppression. As religious diversity grows, there is increased concern about the negative consequences of religious bigotry. This paper aims to reflect on religion and oppression from a social justice perspective.

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The growth of religious diversity has resulted in the widening of differences and a rise in oppression for minority groups. The article by Pew Research details religious diversity in the US (Sandstrom, 2016). The research breaks down religious diversity and seeks to shed light on the religious affiliations in the US. Research on religious diversity in the US indicates that Christianity is the dominant religion. America has a huge population of nearly 250 million adults out of which 173 million are Christians and a fifth of the people do not profess any religious affiliation (Sandstrom, 2016). The article discusses a hypothetical demographic profile of the American population to make it easier to understand the complex religious landscape in the US. The simplified demographic profile of the population offers key insights about religious diversity in the US. The article profiles the population in terms of gender, race, age, and religious affiliation. Breaking down these numbers creates a simple and illuminating way of understanding religious diversity.

The article is relevant as it offers a perspective of understanding the discussion on religion and oppression. There has been a rise in systematic mistreatment of people based on their religious beliefs and affiliations. Religious persecution can be considered a human rights problem in many jurisdictions as its effects have resulted in widespread violence. Oppression based on religious differences can be triggered by several factors such as religious bigotry and intolerance from the state. Religious bigotry happens when Christians denigrate other members of less dominate religions such as Jewish and Muslims. Dehumanization of members of a less dominant religious group can result in persecution and violence.

Religious oppression can be fueled by the state in instances when it views a particular religion as posing a threat to its national interest and security. Religious oppression that is triggered by the state leads to violations of human rights and freedom of thought and conscience. Intimidation and harassment based on religious differences infringe and threatens the right to life and liberty of the oppressed minority. Ideally, the state is supposed to act as a custodian of human rights and therefore it should not act as a purveyor of religious oppression.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the paper has reflected on religious diversity in the US and its link with religion and oppression. Religion has played a critical role in influencing our beliefs and values and has also impacted on social institutions and systems. However, there still lingers the fear of religion being used as a force of destruction and violence against humanity. Religion is supposed to uphold the highest respect for life and human rights and thus religious differences should not be used as triggers of oppression and violence.

References

Sandstrom, A. (2016, November 14). If the U.S. had 100 people: Charting Americans' religious affiliations. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/11/14/if-the-u-s-had-100-people-charting-americans-religious-affiliations/