why does religion get placed amongst society and culture?

Question

Why does Religion get a place in Society and culturehttp://in.answers.yahoo.com/info/co...

It dawned on me to ask what religion has to do with society or culture? Wouldn't an appropriate place be amongst cults or clubs or religion on it's own standing?
What contribution has religion made to society? Which artists, scientists,entertainers,c... phychologists?
What contribution? Even the book is clearly in question. see http://thebaldchemist.blogspot.com... for clarification

Answer 1

Religion has played a part in the rituals and customed formed by various cultures and it has played a part in defining society.

Such rituals and customs include:

Meditation
Yoga
Vegetarianism
Herbology
Alternative Medicine
Acupuncture
Dance
Art
Language

A lot of religions have affected the morality of societies, for the good and probably for the bad.

There much more contributions but honestly its 1:29am and I have been up since 6 am ish. I am bit brain dead.

I would encourage you to take a World Religion class. Fascinating material.

Answer 2

Well i would argue that religion (irregardless of personal belief) has a vital place in societies, especially in more traditional or conservative areas. Considering that each society must place a certain amount of merit on transmitting moral values, there will always be a place for any institution or set of beliefs that does this for a portion of society at large. Religions and their rituals, communities and the like have an important role in transmitting a sense of values for the culture at large (whether or not an individual chooses to follow their tenants of faith). Also in societies there is a certain amount of status that is obtained through religious affilation (or lack of positive affiliation) depending on the group that you belong to. This status is one of the three measurements that a sociologist like weber would use to determine someones relative position in a society, and i feel that religious affiliation can be important in some groups of people ( i dont want to stretch this to the population at large or claim an overriding effect, but there is a measure of importance).

Also i certainly would have to disagree that religion in general has made little contribution to society. Although im moving backwards here, throughout history many sets of art, law, science, entertainment were very influenced by their dominant religions in their area (this goes for much of the globe). Therefore you could potentially argue that religion has had an effect (a rather large one in my opinion) on societies and cultures throughout history. I believe the trend still continues today perhaps in differing avenues, but in popular culture there is still a fervor over religious works (ie...the davinci code and the passion of the christ). Also there are still plenty of religious artists and entertainers and scientists as well (though for many this seems a bit contradictory its certainly not impossible - someone has to defend the traditional belief with science if nothing else). Also looking at islam specifically i would argue the use of sharia (religious law and its application) has had an enormous impact on that culture.

To save everyone from what could be much more rambling.....religion is forever intertwined (in my opinion) with society and culture. Although i certainly agree with your point that it could be in its own section (and may eventually be judging by the volume) it certainly fits in here as much as any other current section. I feel it has enough of an impact and correlation with the area to be included here for a while at least.

Answer 3

Because not everything has a scientific answer. See, it's easy to ask why when you don't know where your help comes from. Alot of people get lost in religion because the become religiousely strict. But you have to ask around for some testimonies from true christians. People have made religion part of their life because they believe that. thats where their help comes from. So, I say this ask a couple of people about their religious experience and then you'll see.

Answer 4

Well when someone is religious it isn't just a club they feel they belong to, it tends to be a way of life. It is their morals and values, which govern our decisions in life. Religion has helped and hindered society in many different areas. So are you kidding about the contributions? Think about history, soul music is because of religion. Religion has given people strength to rise. It isn't religion exclusively contributing, it is because of religion. Think about slavery and the courage it took to overcome, thanks to peoples faith in God, they could escape, uprise, etc. Thats not even the beginning. Try reading a history book and think outside the box!

Answer 5

religion is part of everyday life.such as good ole right and wrong.something we face everyday.society also faces this everyday and without religion many wouldnt care so much of right and wrong.thats my thoughts

Answer 6

I wondered that myself, Why not the believers then the non believers?