Religion has been a fundamental component of human civilization in all locations and eras and continues to be so throughout our society. Religion’s role is often perceived as a duty to foster unity and harmony among the peoples of the globe rather than to be a source of division and warfare. However, one cannot deny that religion is somewhat ambivalent in its impact on humanity, which supposes that it can both unite and divide people. As such, religion’s ambiguous and controversial influence could be observed in its relation to governments and global affairs. While theocratic rule might facilitate international relationships and unite peoples, it can be a reason for political disbalance as well. Similarly, the presence of holy wars evidences that religion might divide and harm populations, although religious tolerance allows multiple individuals to be more acceptable to others.
Following the role of religion and government, two particular examples could be identified that support evidence for both harmonizing and destabilizing effects. First, modern Islamic theocracies demonstrate a specific case of unity. As such, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Yemen, and others acknowledge Islam as the state’s official religion and follow Sharia law based on Islam and its precepts (SOPHIA Learning, 2022). Sharia is a religious system of moral and ethical behavior that influences state law to varying degrees depending on the nation. Almost all civil authority granted to these states is grounded on holy law. As a result, the Muslim countries accepting Sharia have merged into the ASEAN association, which guarantees economical and diplomatic collaboration to its members based on one moral code (Phuoc, n.d.). At the same time, Islam and Sharia propagated in Balcan countries, particularly Albania and Serbia, have led to multiple domestic issues in policymaking. As a result, the Balkans’ diverse population faces numerous conflicts regarding the state religion (Middle East Institute, n.d.). Thus, these examples present the urge to cooperate from one side, while the same faith is a cause of disputes on the other.
Religion is known to act similarly in the setting of global affairs. The Crusades are the most evident example of the dividing societal effect of religious beliefs. The Crusades were a time of great brutality and religious zeal. Many Christians had quite a real prospect of taking the Holy Land, particularly the area surrounding Jerusalem. It was crucial to the character and purpose of Christianity since it was the site of New Testament happenings (SOPHIA Learning, 2022). As a result, Muslim and Christian populations were charged against each other, as well as against other diverse groups. In contrast, later in history, various states demonstrated a genuine desire to alleviate their citizens by accepting the doctrine of religious tolerance. Toleration, such as in Locke’s interpretation, signifies a free and egalitarian society constrained by the moral frameworks provided by religion (SOPHIA Learning, 2022). Hence, faith is known to be able to spur hate towards others in people, resulting in wars, although some states manage to treat their diverse residents by promoting tolerance.
To conclude, religion might affect humanity in myriad ways, including the unification and division of diverse peoples. The past of conflict and religious history appear to coexist frequently. Religion is associated with increased violence, and disputes since faith and sacred doctrine are so emotionally driven. At the same time, religious beliefs can serve as a ground for cooperation, while perceived moral duty can urge people to respect others’ faith.
Reference List
Middle East Institute. (n.d.). Competing over Islam: Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Iran in the Balkans. Web.
Phuoc, J. C. (n.d.). An introduction to Sharīʿah law in South East Asian (ASEAN). Globalex. Web.
SOPHIA Learning. (2022). Unit 3 tutorials: Religion’s impact on individuals, society, and the world.