In an essay of not more than 1200 words, discuss the claim that the most compelling reason for studying religion today is to reach a better understanding of contemporary society.

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Sherene Hull U8072389    A103 Introduction to Humanities  TMA 06

 In an essay of not more than 1200 words, discuss the claim that the most compelling reason for studying religion today is to reach a better understanding of contemporary society.

 

For me, the word ‘religion’ conjures up images of wailing fat ladies dressed in their Sunday best singing at the top of their lungs about the glory of God. Of course, this image comes from my childhood when I attended the New Testament Church of God in Jamaica every Sunday, rain or shine, with my grandmother. For her, Church, Christianity and God was a way of life; a set of principles she believed in and lived by. For others less convinced, the idea of religion or ‘being religious’ is as far fetched as aliens and UFO’s.

Throughout the centuries, religion has played an important part in shaping the political landscape of most modern societies and one reason for studying religion is to understand how and why certain societies developed in the way they did.    The church – used here in generic terms – was often married to the way in which rulers administered laws and punishments. Often some used the church to swindle people out of their wealth and to gain their allegiance through fear. While other rulers such as Henry viii manipulated the religious order of the day by breaking away from the Catholic Church and forming a new Church of England so he could marry his mistress.  

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For most, Islam is a way of life which is revered by its followers but according to Laura Hayes, when the Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 until 2001, they controlled 90% of the country's territory and their policies—including their treatment of women and support of terrorists—ostracized them from the world community. The Taliban considered themselves mujahideen or holy warriors of the Islamic faith.

This is one aspect of religion that is often studied by observation. How does someone become a religious fanatic to the point of causing pain or discomfort for others? Does anyone have the right ...

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