Some people also like the stability that religion brings to their life, when they are in need, or in times of pain and suffering; “During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you." – Footprints. It is in times like these when people are experiencing emotional upheaval and discomfort, that they turn to their religion. For example, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23.4).
Also, one of the many arguments disagreeing with the statement is that religion is fake. However, we do not give up on many things in life, even though there are counterfeits. For example money; there are many different currencies, just like religions, but there is forged money flying around all the time.
On the other hand, there are many people that disagree with this statement. Lots of people believe that religions “colour” life by saying ‘it’s ok, good things happen when you die’, or ‘don’t worry, she might be having fun, but she’ll go to hell’ and various other expressions. These people believe that the only moral code we should trust and follow is the one we come up with ourselves. Sure, the Ten Commandments might be a good start, but let's not trust them just because of an old story, let's trust them and live by them because they make perfect moral and ethical sense.
Also, in a recent survey in Wales, over 56% of people said they didn’t attend church regularly. When asked why, the main reason for non-attendance was “lifestyle”. People are simply too busy to find time for their religion.
Another reason that suggests that religious faith no longer has a place in modern society is the fact that religion is not always in accordance with modern day issues; for example, homosexuality, abortion and divorce. In 2005, the total number of abortions was 185,000, with a rise of 2.7% from 2004, when the total was 181,600. This just shows how topics such as abortion are quickly becoming more involved in our society, and religions that don’t agree with these topics are being cast off because most people now has a more modern approach.
A further reason why some people disagree with the statement is the fact that people still turn to God, even when he supposedly causes terrible events. For example, Ann Murray, a neighbour, remembers her surprise when she saw a family of four in a horrific car crash. The religious family were just leaving church when they were hit by an oncoming truck, killing the husband and a child. Instead of being mortally upset, the mother proudly stood by and thanked God for saving her other child. Do religious people ever question God or switch their sentiments and curse him for causing these horrendous experiences? Even though biblical texts claim that God is the reason for evil in the world: “Then the Lord said to him [Moses], ‘Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him dumb, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?'" (Exodus 4:11-12).
In conclusion, I think that religious faith is important in modern society, but not in the way it is trying to fit in. If the Church doesn’t want to condone abortion or divorce, it doesn’t have to, but it shouldn’t try to change the views that we have caught on to, because they are ours, and ours alone and we should be allowed to be individual and unique. However, I also think that the religious charities such as CAFOD and Christian Aid play a big part in our society, even if it is just recognising that there are still people who believe in God and the Scriptures unconditionally.
