Harris stated, “A belief is a lever that, once pulled, moves almost everything in a person’s life.” This quote exemplifies how religion has played a major role in forming my own identity. Being a part of a church has created positive aspects in my life. My religion has formed my identity by making me feel as part of a whole, while establishing my morals, how I treat others, and giving me comfort.
According to Durkheim in the article “Religion is a Team Sport,” religion is a unified system of beliefs and practices that unites members into one single moral community. Growing up around small-town churches has created a small community that has always supported me. My group membership to my church established close relationships with others. I
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When this happens, it is good to know that they can join their religious group and work together, instead of trying to do it alone. Being a part of a Christian community has influenced my identity and has played a role in establishing my morals. Consistent and strong morals were established in my childhood and I have stood by these ever since. As a result, I identify myself as an ethical person. I am the type of person that will do the right thing when challenged to pick the wrong option. Utilitarianism, which is choosing the best action that maximizes well-being, is very important in religion. I want what is best for the group and for others and do not mind giving up my advantage or time to help others.
According to Durkheim, morals force people to regulate their actions by something other than their own egoism. Being a moral Christian has influenced my actions and beliefs by reducing my ego. The bible has taught me to remain humble and to accept when things do not go my way. Religion has also taught me to be a less corrupt person. By following the Ten Commandments, I have been influenced to not lie, steal, cheat, etc., which has made my morality consistent in my
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In the Finke and Stark article, they discuss pluralism, which is a condition or system in which two or more religions coexist. My hometown was definitely a pluralistic community. By having different churches in my small town has allowed me to become more diverse and accept different views from others. As a result, I am more open to new ideas and can respect differing opinions.
Religion has also influenced the way I treat other people’s mistakes. Knowing that God accepts our sins, it makes it easier for me to accept people’s mistakes or flaws. I understand that no one is perfect, but forgiving them can help them move forward instead of backwards. This also makes it easier to accept my own flaws as well. I make a lot of mistakes and unfortunately, I sometimes dwell on the past a little longer than needed. However, I know that I can turn to my small community and God and they will allow me to embrace my mistakes as a part of who I
Throughout time, the definition of what is considered to be “religion” has been proven to be quite a challenge. This is primarily due to the fact that religions continuously evolve over time as well as an individual’s perception and understanding about what religion seems to be. Despite this ongoing process of modifications when attempting to characterize and define religion, what is certainly constant is the fact that religion plays a great role in influencing societies and individuals historically (McGuire 5). In order for an individual to well integrate oneself into society and build a daily life, religious practices is essential to this process. By analyzing the effects of religion and religious practices on communities and individuals, it will become apparent that religious practices are quite more important than religion itself and its institutions when it comes to helping one adjust into society and life.
Religion ties American’s of different races and cultures together in various ways. It provides unity and hope among a very diverse group of people. In today’s American society religion provides deep connection to American’s through socialization and social control.
Since religion is often used to reinforce the cultural rules and values of society, eventually religion sets the stage for individuals to gain a sense of community and belonging. However, religion is not viewed positively by all; especially when religious practices tend to confl...
My religious education has taught me about other religions and cultures, has given me a respect for other beliefs systems, and has trained me to be an open minded, loving, yet devout, unwavering
In addition to being influenced by church and religion, I have also been influenced by my family. My parents have always been there for me and supported me in all I do. They encourage me in my schoolwork as well as my extra-curricular activities. They attend all my concerts and things I participate in including church activities. My grandparents have also influenced me in what I am today. My grandfather is a minister and has always encouraged me to do well and have high morals. They have always done special things such as taking me on trips to show me how much they love me. My sister has also helped me be the person I am today. She has been a role model to me in many things. She has encouraged me to do well in school because she excelled and was valedictorian of her class. She also has an outgoing personality and has been a role model socially.
Developing a greater stability in your faith. o In order words, upon the studying other religions, you become inspired by the different religions, which causes us to participate more in our religion. The majority of the time, one would enrich their practice based on their research. Incorporating other religious practices with their practices. For example, “Although uncommon, some Christians also observe the Jewish holidays, especially those that Jesus observed according to the New Testament.”
I was raised in a strict Christian household with strict Christian parents. They forced me to know all the beliefs that are common place with the Christian religion, and really all religions - thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not kill, thou shall honor your mother and father. I was told not to judge others regardless of color, creed, religion and to help those that needed help. Prayers were said before every meal, before going to bed at night, upon rising from sleep in the morning. The point is that having been raised in that type of environment, being surrounded by people whom I believed to be - and was told were the "good" people, this is the life I wanted, these were the people that I wanted to be like, or so I thought.
Since I grew up in the Catholic faith, I understand that not everyone has the same religious beliefs that my religion teaches. The way a person is raised, has an impact on their religious beliefs. Your belief system is the actual set of precepts from which you live your daily life, those that govern your thoughts, words, and actions (Woods, 2006). Since, I had religion classes through out my school years I have been taught to accept other people's religious beliefs. Even my parents have taught me to look at a person's culture and beliefs to gain a better understanding of their point of view. With the understanding of others religious beliefs and cultures it has allowed me to deal with others in a fair and equal manner. Even though I have had some difficult time with others I remember how I was raised and it has helped me through those difficult times.
As far back as I can remember, I have been raised around good Christian people with good Christian values. I felt safe in church, knowing that most of the families I had connected with had the same set of values and beliefs that I was educated on throughout my life. Learning what I have in