Would Moving to a New City or Country Make You Happier? The more this issue is avoided the more it allows churches to continue to take no responsibility for their cover up on a global scale. David B. Feldman, Ph.D., is a professor in the department of counseling psychology at Santa Clara University. What’s more, Bach’s compositions were written as religious hymns. As the rabbi expressed, research shows that religion certainly can be a powerful force for good in people’s lives. But some have cautioned against making too much of this distinction. About 68 percent of published studies on that topic have found a link. Sadly, today we see the consequences of the politicalization and weaponization of faith. From the Crusades and the Holy Inquisition to the September 11th attacks, religion can often fuel violence, war, and massacres. Religion used to be good for organising society. Positive religious coping consists of strategies that reflect a trusting relationship with God and a sense of spiritual connectedness to others, including reframing stressful events as reflecting the work of a benevolent God and seeing oneself as collaborating with God to solve problems, among others. Religion has inspired great cultural achievements. Are their histories, flavors, branding ventures and impact more alike or different than we think? ~Georges Bizet. This line of thinking can promote ignorance or denialism on scientific issues and can hinder scientific progress. This connection makes … The vast majority are, but they don't need their religion to be good people. Through their actions, they managed to change cultural attitudes, put a stop to oppressive governmental policies (or sexist government policies, in the case of Ruth) and give voice to the underprivileged. com called "The Days of AWE-Some". By cultivating arbitrary moral standards, religion has often led to the discrimination or scapegoating of large parts of the population. For example, some christian extremists associated Pokemon with occultism and Satan. Religious instruction and belief remain today the lifeblood of society… It gives people a central focus to their common lives. Religion is a tool used to keep the weak-minded in check; prevent them from asking too many questions and thinking on their own. 14 Traits Found in Highly Religious People, Research Suggests That Synchronicities Can Aid Psychotherapy, A New Personality Test Also Gauges Mental Health, Psychology Today © 2020 Sussex Publishers, LLC. Don't get me wrong, I grew up in an extremist christian household, so I know that feeling all too well. Remember what happened in 1978 in Guyana, when 900 members of Jim Jones’s People’s Temple committed mass suicide by drinking cyanide-laced juice? Is Religion Good or ... to show strong interest in religion and low rates of atheism — even in a technologically and scientifically informed society like ... (i.e. Our signature Pro/Con articles on various big debates. Here are three of the most important reasons that researchers believe religion and spirituality may be good for us: Many religions encourage people to take care of their bodies and minds. From the Crusades and the Holy Inquisition to the September 11th attacks, religion can often fuel violence, war, and massacres. Well, the first benefit of religion is that gives the access to the group of people who think similar to you and who believe in … Religion does nothing but spread fear and terror and encourages a tribal mentality. There is a huge difference between, for example, the experience of the Christian mystic and that of the born again And I don't even mention religious terorists. While religion may foster prosocial behavior, it tends to be towards other members of the same religious group. © 2017 Perspective-Media LTD. All Rights Reserved, THERE ARE AT LEAST TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY. Would it change the nature of professional sports for good or for bad? Fight polarization. The problem with religion is that it is resistant to change with new evidence. The word fellowship is often associated with Christian communities, while the words havurah (from the Hebrew for “friendship”) and sangha (Pali for “community”) are used in similar ways by Jews and Buddhists. It has become increasingly common to hear people say they are “spiritual” but not “religious,” with approximately one in four adults in the United States now identifying as such. You might be surprised to know, for instance, that the distinction between religion and spirituality is a relatively new one, emerging only in the latter half of the twentieth century. Centuries later, these masterpieces continue to be sources of awe and inspiration, not just for believers but for all of humanity, adding richness and meaning to the world at large. In fact, there are few issues in the field of psychology as highly researched as this question. Anthropological studies show that participation in religious events increases group bonding and promotes prosocial behaviors. Take religion: what does it actually mean to be religious? Despite the research connecting religion with well-being, it’s important to avoid concluding that people who consider themselves atheist and agnostic can’t be just as healthy and happy as those who are religious. nothing would have stopped them. Separation of "religion" and state is just a power-sharing deal, a truce between two ruling classes. For more information about Rosh Hashana, check out this article from Aish. All good m8. Although religious groups are hardly the only sources of support in people’s lives, for believers, they can be important ones. Here are three of the most important reasons that researchers believe religion and spirituality may be good for us: Reason #1: Better Health Habits Many religions encourage people to take care … Non-believers can and often do take excellent care of themselves, cope well with stress, and engage in loving and supportive relationships. As they celebrate the holiday of Rosh Hashanah, they begin looking back on the past twelve months through the lens of their faith, counting their blessings and asking forgiveness for their mistakes. So as much as it’s tempting to buy into oversimplifications like, “religion is good,” real life isn’t so clear. Hell, you know how much more people in the US would relax if it weren't for them being so scared of Muslims bombing something? Is it a choice or is our temperament naturally decided for us? In one study, researchers even found that when HIV-positive men believed in a merciful and forgiving God, they experienced significantly slower disease-progression, but when they believed that God was harsh, judgmental, and punishing, their disease actually ended up progressing faster.

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