Introduction
This paper examines the role of religion in the article “The Case for Contamination” by Kwame Anthony Appiah. The author indicates that religious groups allow people to live in solidarity as a community. Such religions bring people together irrespective of the differences that exist between them.
In other cases, religious groups play a divisive role by using violent tactics that force people to observe their religion. I believe religious groups should allow people to explore individual spirituality and create meaning in their lives. Appiah emphasizes that religions help to bring people together but can play a divisive role by promoting violence.
Role of Religions
One of the primary roles of religion, as mentioned in the article, is that it serves as a social institution that enables people to live in harmony by sharing common values. In this case, people are subject to common frameworks that enhance ethical decision-making, enabling them to navigate daily life effectively. According to Appiah (4), a new worldwide fraternity composed of young Muslim fundamentalists who share common ideals has developed in recent years. The religious group comprises individuals from diverse regions, each with its unique language. The group’s objective is to build a community that has enlightened people.
The fundamentalists have also focused on reducing the influence of consumerism associated with Western society to minimize its impact on other parts of the world. The Muslim fundamentalists seek to eliminate the perception that Islam is associated with specific cultures (Appiah, 5). The group also focuses on dissociating itself from the radical neofundamentalists who uphold the use of violence. People observe an aspect of fallibilism that emphasizes that human knowledge is imperfect and thus can be revised when exposed to new evidence.
Another role of religion highlighted in the article is that it can have a divisive side by promoting exclusionary attitudes and conflicts. In this case, religion can easily be a barrier to developing a sense of understanding and cooperation. This has been the case for radical neofundamentalists in the Islamic religion who promote a form of intolerant universalism that has led to the death of many people. The religious beliefs held by neofundamentalists have been associated with deaths during the French Wars of Religion. Millions of people died of starvation or diseases during the period as a result of issues that exceeded the sectarian doctrine.
The counter-cosmopolitans eliminate other people from the world for failing to agree to their religious practices. The British have also experienced religious conflicts, such as the First Bishop’s War of 1639 and the end of the Civil War, leading to the death of about 10% of the population (Appiah, 4). Seeking to enforce a universal religious truth has proven to have an increased risk of blood baths.
Approach Towards Religion
I agree with Appiah’s religious perspective since he encourages his readers to evaluate the pitfalls associated with religious exclusivity. Following religions without questioning their ideals can easily impact societal peace, especially when some people disagree with the values. In this case, readers who engage with the content and understand it are less likely to uphold religious beliefs that seek to exclude some people from the world.
I concur with the article’s author that religions should embrace religious diversity and take advantage of the opportunity to learn from one another rather than playing a divisive role. The author encourages his readers to avoid religious traditions that seek to reinforce exclusivist attitudes, such as the counter-cosmopolitans. Religions should focus on accommodating all people irrespective of any background differences that exist between them. Religion should be used to preach peace and protect people’s lives rather than inciting conflict that leads to injuries and death. I also agree with Appiah that religion has played a role in acting as a social institution that emphasizes the need for communal ties.
This is also true in contemporary religions, which strive to unite people and guide them daily. Believers of the Christian and Islamic religions have common religious frameworks that govern their lives. The people also congregate together and receive teachings from designated religious leaders. Such religions provide an opportunity for community empowerment and personal growth.
Individual Approach
One way my approach to religion differs from Appiah’s is that people should have the opportunity to explore their individual spirituality while also seeking meaning. I believe that religion should enable people to remain connected with their supreme being, while also serving as an avenue for personal growth and transformation. This can be achieved by providing an avenue for deliverance and redemption (FIUOnline Right, 7:30-8:30).
Religion should focus on teaching people how to live a spiritual life rather than emphasizing the need to abandon cultural traditions. In this case, unique cultural and religious traditions should be preserved rather than imposing universal truths upon them. Each religion deserves respect and preservation, as it can offer valuable insights into human existence. In this case, one religion should not consider its doctrines and practices to be the best and thus seek to impose them on the rest. This will help to limit the likelihood of religious groups inciting their followers to engage in acts of violence.
Conclusion
The article highlights that while religions can unite people, they may also contribute to division by encouraging violence and conflict. Muslim fundamentalism is an example of a religious group that seeks to bring people from different parts of the world together with a focus on upholding human dignity. Religion shares common frameworks that enable people to navigate their lives by promoting ethical decision-making.
The fundamentalists aim to remove the notion that Islam is linked to particular cultural traditions. The Islamic religion promoted by neofundamentalists has played a divisive role by encouraging exclusionary attitudes and conflicts. My approach to religion is that people should focus on achieving individual spirituality while seeking meaning. People should not be forced to observe religious beliefs and practices that do not align with their values and traditions.
Work Cited
Appiah, Kwame, A. “The Case for Contamination (Published 2006).” The New York Times, 2023. Web.
FIUOnline Right. “Dr. Huchingson – Soteriology: Ways and Goals of Salvation and Liberation.” YouTube. 2015. Web.