From a sociological perspective, should religion be used to define standards, values, and laws in any society?

Question

To what extent?? What are the advantages and disadvantages??

Answer 1

Everyone pretty much accepts that religions are belief systems, and that beliefs lead to a society's standards/values, of which laws typically represent. I think the question suggests a doubt that all belief systems are religions. Many folks would contend that the unwavering belief that everything can be explained by "rationality", and so values and therefore laws must center on this. However beneficial this use of rationality has often been, it runs into problems with items like the conflict between equality and utility. Do we rationally try to further the interest of the collective or the individual? If someone is old/infirm and is now not a contributor to society because of their physical condition, rationalism may lead us to rid society of such an individual.
Even rationalism must determine a purpose of our activities, and itself is insufficient for things like rights, obligations and responsibility.
So no matter what we do, some belief system/religion must order society, as it does now. Western civ as supported a belief system of the idea of individual rights, which has led to development and innovation.
Advantages and disadvantages arise from the suitability of the belief system for growth of its followers. What is the next belief system that will proliferate the world after this one of institutionalizing the idea of self and self interest?

Answer 2

Whose religion? The problem is that this question would have to be assessed from a given society. In a closed society, where the members are homogenous - of the same culture and belief system - it can be a secure, stabilizing force for everyone. People in such a society know what to expect, and rebellion is quickly quashed. In a diverse society, however, trying to set up standards, values, and laws based upon any one religion, even the dominant religion, tends to disenfranchis others who do not adhere to that religion. Animosity, prejudice, rebellion, and even anarchy has arisen from such oppression. In fact, the United States was somewhat founded on just such a situation. Later, many indigenous cultures were destroyed on the same premise. From a sociological perspective, this creates a sense of anomie for those on the receiving end

Answer 3

You ask 'should religion be used to define standards, values and laws in any society?'. The truth is that already societies throughout the world are based on religious values. For example, historically Muslim or Christian countries will have their laws reflecting it's religious belief.

In my opinion, based on a Weberian perspective, religion is a part of an inbuilt capitalist system. Let me explain, the influence of certain religious ideas (such as offerings and having to commit good deeds in order to be accepted into heaven after death) encourage the economic spirit. This idea is known as the Protestant Ethic or the Spirit of Capitalism. However, this applies to primarily Western religions.

Even though early sociologists predicted the death of religion and the corresponding rise of science and rationality, there has been a massive resurgence of fundamentalist religion in the past few years. Religion has become more important to society than ever before.

Another idea is from Ninian Smart, who describes that religion 'grasps the meaning and values of plural cultures in the contemporary world'. It also enables us 'to attempt to form a coherent picture of reality'. In essence, she says that religion is ever important in society, and more so now and in the future.

So, yes, religion should be used to define standards, laws and values in a society, because this encourages and gives meaning to that society's citizens. Two disadvantages are clashing religious sects and beliefs through groups or even countries (Isreal and Palestine as one example) and the removal of modern science and government rationalities. Overall, religion has already permeated society whether you like it or not.

Answer 4

In most normal societies, there are laws against rape, murder, theft, etc. These values are included in most religions. For example, whether you are Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Christian, or Shinto, wanton killing is wrong. Likewise, the majority of countries share these sentiments. So, In my opinion, in situations like this, religion does not guide society. Rather it reflects pre-existing values and opinions. Even a government that does not acknowledge any religion would have moralistic laws. Basic human instinct dictates morals. Religion might help to refine the conscience, but every society has some concept of right and wrong.

Answer 5

no
Religion often has the effect of making people oppose even the most-just wars and the use of the death penalty, thereby making it too threatening.