The Most Compelling Reason for Studying Religion Today is Politics Essa

The Most Compelling Reason for Studying Religion Today 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 attend 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 breeding 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 UFOs. Throughout the centuries, religion has played an important subdivision 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 perform 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 night club of the day by breaking away from the Catholic Church and forming a new Church of England so he could marry his mistress. 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 countrys territory and their policiesincluding their treatment of women and support of terroristsostracized them from the world community. The Taliban considered themselves mujahideen or holy warriors of the Muslim faith.... ...of the people. Religion and politics have come full circle as in todays society there are laws which modulate the recognition of a new religion. For example, a legitimate religion has the right to claim tax exemption and must promote the moral and sacred welfare of the community. It is my opinion that although there are other reasons for studying religion, the most compelling reason by far is to better understand and cater for the change of modern society. Bibliography Atkins, Peter quoted in Poole, Michael. A Guide to Science and Belief. Lion produce.1990 Boeer. M. M. Karl Marxs Interpretation of History. Mason, Claire. New Religious Movements the impact on our lives. White Thompson Publishing Limited.2003 Pfeffer, Leo. Quoted in New Religious Movements the impact on our lives.