Religion is the Insider's Secret Handshake of any Culture
Beliefs build bridges
Religion is a way in.
If you ever land on an alien planet, study their rituals.
Imagine being dropped on another planet, with no info about the aliens living there. Observation is your best bet. Watch what they do and wear, explore their art, and figure out their writing. If you take the time to understand their worship practices you will gain insights into the essence of their civilization.
When you’re trying to figure out how to survive, eat what the locals eat and follow their lead when it comes to safety. It might even save your life.
Ok, back to Earth.
Why study different religions?
It’s an amazing way to learn about the culture and history of a group of people. There are lots of different ways to look at the topic.
Historic events are often a result of the religious beliefs of the rulers.
A ruler’s decisions shape nations through war or invasions, exiles, and settlements. They may use religion to justify their power, framing it as a god-given or divine right to rule.
The legal and moral codes of the country may be inspired by the sense of morality, justice, and social order contained in the religion the rulers follow. That affects the day-to-day lives of the masses.
Social control is another important function.
The community created within a religious group helps maintain social solidarity. Governments have used religion as a tool to gain obedience and consolidate power.
Religion is a powerful force that can unite countries that might not have any other common ground, or it can divide regions that would otherwise be allies.
There is power in numbers.
A global congregation, acting in unison, can affect events in a major way. It’s important to be aware of current beliefs and trends so that you can participate in a meaningful way.
“There is power in numbers and there is power in unity.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.Feb 3, 2011
Religious stories have inspired many beautiful pieces of art.
These creative interpretations enrich our culture. Early forms of religious art and writing give insights into the way people lived in historical times. Religious artifacts are often carefully preserved and venerated. They are a record from the past.
Religious beliefs give followers an orderly model of the universe.
The creation story told in our oral histories helps us understand how we came to exist. These stories create a view of the world that reflects the local culture and allows us to achieve a sense of belonging.
An all-powerful being brings a sense of comfort.
It feels pretty good to know you are on the side of the strongest god. He will provide for you and protect you if you’re a believer. Large temples or churches give the religious institution a sense of authority.
Religious law provides firm guidelines for behavior in a community.
It gives us the moral code to follow; we understand the difference between right and wrong. The guidelines for punishment are often set out, allowing people to choose between following the law and suffering the consequences.
There is a clear framework of rules to follow. It removes the burden of decision-making from people. God will decide.
I believe it’s not possible to truly understand people and their culture without having a good look at their motivations. Religious belief is one of the strongest motivators: Eternal suffering vs. Eternal peace.
It embraces the familiar.
The practice of religion is the performing of rituals, meditations, and chanting. It encourages us to follow a prescribed way of life.
Often the ritual is as important as or more important than the beliefs. Rituals can be soothing and repetitive, returning home to a familiar place, a kind of magic that transcends science.
While the practice of religion is intended to achieve salvation through worship and obedience to God, it’s clear that it impacts many other aspects of life in a community.
All of these examples are ways to gain insights and create connections through understanding.
We study religion because it opens a window into other people’s lives. And isn’t that what it’s all about?
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