The Sociology of Religion (Essay Sample)

Sociology of Religion
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Religion and spiritual belief are terms frequently used in the same context and sometimes mistaken to have the same meaning. Though they are related, they have separate meanings. The latter is often used to refer to the personal dominion and scope of thought of an individual and his or her experience with nature or a Supreme Being .The former is more akin related with institutions such as synagogues, churches and mosques, organized doctrines, public rituals and symbols CITATION Gar09 \l 1033 (Garrod & Jones, 2009).Whereas Spirituality is based on logic and the rational aspect of human beings, religion is based on faith and is dialectic. Spirituality is also individual meditation in the mind while religion is adoration of certain principles and supernatural being.
Most individuals who hold their own spiritual beliefs rather than religion are more inclined towards belittling the clerics, their institutions and principles as hypocritical and prefer spiritual flexibility by indulging in supernatural interests based on experimentation with eccentric beliefs and practices. They usually source their practices and beliefs from diverse religions with which they relate to. On the other hand, religious persons are more hard-lined to their principles and religious institutions.
Affiliating to religious institutions such as synagogue, mosque and churches or their doctrines comes with numerous benefits. For instance, these institutions offer moral guidelines, comfort, support and solace to a society. They at the same time cater for those who are in need and those engaging non-profitably in community by initiating development projects financed through offered tithes and charity work that add up to considerable amounts to bring considerable change. It cannot therefore be denied that religion has major advantages. Firstly, it is an appropriate system for enhancing morality, and consequently, social order. It makes it easier to govern. But it goes beyond that. Religious institutions create a common ground within a society thus enhancing conformity. This gives the people a sense of belonging and unity among them. Religion also provides suitable answers to supernatural questions, therefore quelling life fears and offering reassurance for the living. Religion simply brings conformity, hope and establishes lines within a community. This conformity and hope is based on the doctrines of a particular religious institution. It is therefore beneficial to belong to a certain religion and to conform to its prescribed doctrines as one feel accepted and have easier access to guidance as compared to having one's own spiritual beliefs.
However, being religious and belonging to a religious institution such as church, mosque and synagogues also poses major drawbacks. Religious people lose their own system of belief and adopt principles that have been described to them. They are made to believe that these principles are the best and a compromise will lead to drastic consequences. It therefore instills fear and stifles freedom of thought. Religious people will therefore tend to discriminate against people who are not compatible with their doctrines. In simple terms, religion discourages open-mindedness. Belonging to a religion is also detrimental to the progress and innovation of mankind as it fills the mind with untrue hopes and comfort mechanisms. As a result of the varying religious doctrines, religion has been used as a reason for violent extremism and radicalization that has resulted to intolerance among religions CITATION Rob11 \l 1033 (Roberts & Yam