Individual Integration into Society: Religion vs. Religious Practices

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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. Looking at religion and religious practices on a communal scale, this system and its communities and traditions facilitate and help create a sense of belonging and attachment to society for an individual. For immigrants, adapting to a new environment is not always an easy process and may feel alone and isolated when unable to smoothly integrate themselves. Paul W. Bowlby argues in Diasporic Religions in Canada: Opportunities and Challenges that despite being belittled by the critics of immigration and multiculturalism, religious communities represent the many important aspects of life of the community (45). It’s important to take note that in Canadian history, family and social life values has been defined and derived from religion and its way of life (Bowlby 46). In Canada, religious communities have been the main ass... ... middle of paper ... ...e facilitated through religion and its institutions and communities as well as one’s personal religion which is primarily based on religious practices. While communal religion allows the individual, particularly immigrants, to find a sense of attachment in society, individual religion allows one to find “practical coherence” with their everyday life and society. Religious practices can be found and used in religion and their institutions, the importance of these activities are emphasized. With that being noted, religious practices are a core essential in one’s adjustment in life and society. Works Cited Bowlby, Paul W. R. “Diasporic religions in Canada: opportunities and challenges.” Canadian Issues (April 2003). McGuire, Meredith. ”Everyday religion as lived.” Lived Religion: Faith and Practice in Everyday Life. New York: Oxford University Press, 2008. Print.

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