On a global scale, is religion a divisive or unifying force?

Question

EverMom and Whisper: Come on, it is an A or B question. How hard is that?

Answer 1

Since there are different religions in the world, and since different groups of people follow different religions, it is obvious that religion cannot be a unifying force on a *global* scale.

[enters the "But..."]

But then [I told you], each religion is a cultural phenomenon, and as such it has got to unify the society that has produced it and distinguish it from other societies (one as an effect *and* cause of the other one). So is language, so are the traditions, so is music. ...And in England, so is football. All these are means to define a group of people among all others, and since none of these groups is large enough, all these "forces" are divisive on a global scale. But this is how human beings (as social beings) *function*.

...And yes, science is not divisive. At least, not in its intentions. In fact however, there are lots of schools and traditions and "ways" to do science that strongly differ from each other - and that even praise themselves for doing so ("here, unlike in ******, we do real serious science, those guys are nothing but a bunch of amateurs!!"). As a postulate, any 2 of these schools could meet and actually come to terms with each other's convictions, which is, as a postulate again, virtually impossible for religious groups or fans of different kinds of music. But as a fact, how often does it actually happen? How often does reason triumph against pride and a deep-embedded line of thought? Do scientists always actually change their theories as a result of rational arguments from their (scientific) opponents? How often are those arguments enough well designed as to convince opponents? Cause that's what a unifying force should do.

(ahhh, remember Tesla and Eddison?)(yes it's from The Prestige and not from some "history of science" book - argh so what!!!)

Besides, go ahead and say that science had been a unifying force during the cold war... As always and everywhere, it's what people do with these things that makes them unifying or divisive...

(Plus, "being different" (as a normal result of division) and "being hostile to each other" are still different matters)

[whoa I need a BIG and STRONG drink and a HUGE pack of cigarettes now]

Answer 2

What should be isn't. Religion ,dispite the differences, should be and could be unifying, if the principle ideas of the varrious faiths were used to guide life. The reason it isn't is that certain minor varriences in their faith doesn't allow them all to find common ground. Thats also why we have so many Christian sects . Each believes they are right and the 'one and only true...'
Globally and historica ly there are periods of harmony and others of extreme acrimony . On the whole , I would suggest that religion is a covert divisive force when one considers the number of lives lost .

Answer 3

Both.
Divisive, because there are so many different religions that fight against each other.
Unifying, because there are a few churches that spread throughout most of the earth and they bring millions of people together in belief from all over the globe.

Have a great day! :)

Answer 4

It is the comming together of all "Religions" in the Global Gov.
E.U. that will be the Glue tha holds it together.For 3 &1/2 yrs then it will be destroyed.Except the # 2 Man.

I did not include Followers of Jesus Christ,which is a Personal
Relationship,That Name it Seperates is even now a Wall of Seperation.

Answer 5

Religion doesn't unite the world. That's not it's purpose. It unites individuals with similar beliefs and values.It's failure to unite the world does not make it divisive, just as your failure to unite the world doesn't make you divisive. Uniting with like-minded friends and relatives doesn't divide the world.

I have studied many religions and have never found any specific doctrine that is divisive. I don't understand the vague unfounded accusations people hurl at religion. I say back it up or back down, and don't point to some king or leader who conveniently used religion to justify war. People like that will always find reasons to justify what they do, with or without religion.

Answer 6

It is in a distorted way unifying force INSIDE the dogma, making them fanatics.

By making them fanatics in the embrace of their dogma, it functions as a divisive force with all the other religions' fanatics.

Answer 7

It wouldn't be if 'some' religions were not so hard line about others!

If everyone could respect each other it woould be fine. It's when one dehumanizes, demonizes, or just [pesters the other members or free agents to b e obsorbed intp their religion that it creates diviiisions in humanity.

'Difference' in itself does not automatically create seperation in the negative. There has to be more to it than that. Each case has to be looked at individually.

Peace through understqanding and mutual respect.

PS Good question!

Answer 8

count type the church homes on your telephone e book. look on the wars that would not be occurring if faith did no longer function a minimum of a catalyst, if no longer an overt reason. Watch the practices of "shunning" in many church homes. Then tell me in what way faith serves as a UNIFYING stress. The divisions led to by making use of faith far outweigh the small inclusions that ought to possibly ensue besides. ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^

Answer 9

Divisive definately. More people kill and hate in the name of religion than anything else.

Answer 10

No, it is a home wrecker. What is the rate of divorce? The official church, who stole the role of women, has taken the power out of the home, especially the womans power.
They are "yoked" unevenly, the woman is not equal in religion.
It is the cause of a lot of domestic violence.
The family foundation is the basis of Gods Government. Men are gross sinners.