Religion in The Modern Global Society.

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Religion is a powerful institution. It was created through cultural systems based on our perceptions of the realm that we believe is beyond the physical. The deeds , writings and teachings of many charismatic beings and sages became timeless , and spiritual institutions were formed based on these earthly experiences and teachings. Many of these founders whom these belief systems were formed based on their teachings and deeds had already exited the stage of existence before many of these religious systems were formed . Their spiritual views about human existence and the ethereal became the cornerstones of the religions that eventually came into existence after them. Every powerful phenomenon has a potency that can be life changing or self destructive , depending on the level of modicum applied to it. Religion as an influential or powerful social institution is not exempted from this category , for example , Christianity ,Islam , Buddhism , Hinduism , and many other belief belief systems have attained global influence and maintained a strong form of control.

Karl Marx maintained that religion is the opium of the masses. Can one totally concur with this view ? I personally have a strong conviction that the aim of many of these faith based systems was to create a sane , moral and peaceful existence which can eventually make the world a better and safer place. A devout Christian can eschew any corrupt practices or actions that harm a neighbour socially or economically due to the fear of eternal damnation . On the other side , the greedy , selfish and oppressive nature of humans also created an unpleasant avenue for many to use or manipulate religion , there by turning it into an instrument of exploitation , persecution and oppression , giving rise to human rights violations , marginalization of minorities, women and violent extremism.

Due to it’s potency and influence , political systems can not ignore the role of belief systems and religion. The fact that some political systems in the Middle East based their governance on religious beliefs portrays the power and command of followership that religion possesses. Freedom to practice one’s belief is an integral part of any healthy democratic system. Proselytization and religious chauvinism create bigotry which is not a healthy recipe for the peaceful existence of any political realm. It is therefore imperative for political and religious leaders to create a healthy and socially livable environment where extremism , religious oppression and discrimination is regulated through legislation and controlled. Conclusively , we must always understand that the principle of universal love supercedes every religion.

Ekunsumi Babatunde Stephen.