Socialogy of Religion (Essay Sample)

Introduction
The debate on whether belonging to a specific religious group is advantageous or disadvantageous as compared to holding individual spiritual belief has persisted for decades, with proponents on both sides of the divide. With the support of relevant sources, this paper carries on this argument by outlining and evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of belonging to a certain church, mosque or synagogue versus just having your own spiritual belief.
Being religious implies that one is attached to a group which creates a sense of social belonging, results in formation of friendships and bolsters such relationships (Roberts & Yamane, 2011). Congregation members in any particular religion be it Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism or any other, often enter into wonderful friendships, sharing picnics, rituals, regular meetings. This results in a relationship that eventually lasts for a lifetime. When one is sick or feeling discouraged or even when celebrating, he or she has a community that cares and will be there for him or her. In a way, a religion is like a family extension. Replication of such structures in the family translates to stronger parent-child relationships and marital happiness.
Religion is a convenient system for establishing morality and by extension social order (Bowpitt, 2012).This makes it easier for a government to rule. It creates a sense of unity and friendship among the people as individuals who conform to the teachings of one religion are less likely to engage in violence and anarchy. Moreover, religion provides convenient answers to some of a human being’s toughest and greatest questions. Such questions as human existence, the afterlife, and other questions on the human race find answers in religion. It quells the fears of living humans and gives them hope.
Another advantage of belonging to an organised religion as opposed to having one’s own spiritual belief is the sense of structure associated with it (Roberts & Yamane, 2011).While some individuals may point to a limitation of freedom in religion, the fact that a church, mosque, or synagogue often results in one being grounded and being reminded and encouraged on what is important, how to live and act clearly reflects on the meanings of their lives. Furthermore, religion has often been cited as a key element in the spiritual growth of individual members.
However, there are advantages associated with holding individual belief and which are disadvantages for belonging in a specific religious group. By belonging to a specific religious group, one is compelled to accept certain doctrines unquestioningly as Yang and Lang note (2011). It is not upon the individual to determine what is right or wrong, and what constitutes a sin and what does not as one is compelled to adhere to the doctrines just as they are thus impairing one's ability to pass individual judgments.
Religion and its groups often results in religious intolerance (Roberts & Yamane, 2011). If everyone were to hold their own spiritual beliefs without necessarily belonging to an organised religion, there would be no divisions based on religious differences as is witnessed in the Middle East between Israeli and Palestine, majority of citizens of the former country ...