Functions of Religion

Meaning of Religion

Religion is concerned with the shared beliefs and practices of human beings. It is the human response to those elements in the life and environment of mankind which are beyond their ordinary comprehension. Religion is pre-eminently social and is found in nearly all societies. Majumdar and Madan explain that the word religion has its origin in the Latin word Rel (I) igio. This is derived from two root words.

The first root is Leg, meaning ‘together, count or observe’. The second root is Lig, meaning ‘to bind’. The first root refers to belief in and practice of “signs of Divine Communication”. The second root refers to the carrying out those activities which link human beings with supernatural powers. Thus, we find that the word religion represents beliefs and practices which are generally the main characteristics of all religions.

Functions of Religion

Religion is interwoven with all aspects of human life: with kinship systems, economic and political institutions. Prior to the advent of what may be called “the age of reason”, religion has been the chief supporter of life’s spiritual and moral values. It has shaped domestic, economic and political institutions. Hence, it is obvious that religion performs a number of functions both for the religious group and for the wider society.

1. Religion provides mental peace: 

Human life is uncertain. He struggles for his survival amidst the uncertainties, insecurities and dangers. Sometimes he feels helplessness. It is the religion that consoles and encourages him in all such times of crisis. Religion gives the right to shelter to him. He gets mental peace and emotional support. It encourages him to face his life and problems.

2. It inculcates social virtues: 

Religion promotes the major social virtues like truth, honesty, non-violence, service, love, discipline etc. Besides values like children should obey their parents, people should be honest and virtuous, women should be faithful to men etc., brings cohesion in society. By the common possession of these values, individuals control the actions of self and others, thereby leading to society’s perpetuation. A follower of the religions internalizes these virtues and becomes a disciplined citizen of the society.

3. Religion promotes social solidarity: 

Religion gives rise to the spirit of brotherhood. Durkheim viewed that religion strengthens social solidarity. A.W. Green also pointed out that religion has the supreme integration and verifying force in human society. It is true that common belief, common sentiment, common worship, participation in common rituals etc., are the significant cementing factors that strengthen unity and solidarity.

4. Religion is an agent of socialization and social control: 

Parsons viewed religion as one of the most important socialization and social control agents. It has a significant role in organizing and directing social life. It helps in preserving social norms and strengthening social control. It socializes him individual and exercises control over both individual and group in various ways. As an informal means, religion regulates the activities of people in its way. An organization like temples, mosques, churches, Gurudwaras, etc. also control individuals’ behaviour at different levels.

5. Religion promotes welfare: 

Religion teaches the people to serve the masses and promote their welfare. It gives the message that “the service to humanity is service to God”. For this reason, people spend money to feed the poor and needy. Great religions like Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity etc. emphasize aim-giving to the poor and beggars. It developers the philanthropic attitude of the people and thereby inject the idea of mutual help and co-operation. With the influence of religious belief, different religious organizations engage themselves in various welfare activities.

6. Religion gives recreation: 

Religion plays a charming role in providing recreation to the people. Religious rites and festivals are performed in every religion which gives relief to the people from mental exertion. Similarly, religious lectures, bhajans, kirtans, dramas, dance, music, puranas, fairs, festivals, art exhibitions, musical concerts followed by the utterance of a hymn, etc. give much more pleasure to people and provide eternal recreation.

7. Religion influences economy: 

Sociologists like Sombart and Max Weber rightly established the relationship of religion with the economic system. Weber observed the influence of Protestant ethics in the development of capitalism. Sombart found this spirit of capitalism in Jewish norms. For the distinct religious principles present in Christianity, capitalism grew in protestant countries but not in the country like India, Pakistan etc.

8. Religious influences political system: 

Religion has played a significant role in the political system in ancient and medical society. Even in modern times in many countries of the world, religion, directly and indirectly, influences political activities. During ancient and medieval periods, the monarchs were treating themselves as the representatives of God or ruling the society in God’s name. Even today, Political leaders take oaths in the name of God. The political system of the world countries like Bhutan, Pakistan, Italy, Germany, England, etc. is influenced by religion.

9. Religion Strengthens Self-confidence: 

Religion is an effective means to strengthen self-confidence. Certain beliefs like ‘work is worship’, ‘duty is divine’, ‘result in predestined’, etc., found in various religions give strength to the individual and promote self-confidence. His self thus becomes grand and elevated.

Therefore, it can be concluded that religion may not work as a cohesive force because religion has its bright and dark sides. Religion as a social mechanism or phenomenon has been subject to serve humanity and also abused to exploit people. It is here that religion has a unifying role. Yet, it remains ennobling to the faithful.