The Importance Of Religion In Society

Words: 1043
Pages: 5

Religion is an influential tool for many in shaping their morals, providing an overall sense of purpose, forming acquaintances with others, and building a sense of community. On the individual level, religion gives the all-encompassing structure to one's perspective and good assessments, offering understanding into human drives, trusts, and thinking, and impression of the self in connection to others and the physical world (Berger, 1973b). On the group level, religion offers resources and pathways for relational support and pro-social activities including volunteerism, community service and awareness, and social justice (Maton& Wells, 1995; Donahue & Benson, 1995; Lebowitz, 1999). In this study, respondents were found to be engaged in diverse projects and programs (that is religious, cultural, community work, social, sporting and academic) before and after joining the association. Majority of the respondents indicated reasons why they joined the association was to sustain their religious identity, to foster a sense of belonging, to help the less privileged in the community and to be inspired and motivated through Islamic talks.
Furthermore, it was observed that respondents were able to stay committed to their
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Religion connects people around common beliefs and practices. This occurs when the self-interests of members are contrary (Roberts, 1990). The nature and extent of religious associational life of respondents were more positive than negative as respondents had wide range of choices on which religion to follow, what program to attend rather than being restricted to their religious group. This shows diversity in religious group formation on campus. Moreover, respondents indicated that tolerance existed amongst the different religious groups on campus due to freedom of expression and movement, and the peaceful relationship that exists amongst and between these religious