Document Type : Original Article
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10.22081/jti.2025.72142.1089
Abstract
This article examines the multifaceted role of religion in society, focusing on major world religions—Christianity (31% of global population), Islam (23%), Hinduism (15%), Buddhism (7%), Judaism (0.2%), and others—and their societal impacts. It explores two primary sociological approaches to religion: the substantive approach, which identifies belief in supernatural beings as a core element, often reflecting a Western, Christian-centric perspective, and the functionalist approach, which analyzes religion’s societal functions, such as shaping individual and group behaviors, moral values, and interpersonal relationships. The functionalist lens highlights both beneficial and harmful consequences, including religion’s influence on politics, conflicts, and moral frameworks. Religion is conceptualized as a composite of teachings, institutions, and rituals, with the European Values Survey identifying five key dimensions: belief, religiosity, ecclesial structure, rituals, and public roles. While religions promote values like love, unity, and moral conduct, misuse through socio-political interference can lead to conflict, discrimination, or violence, often justified by religious differences. Positive impacts include fostering ethical behavior, family upbringing, and health practices through religious prohibitions on substances or dietary rules. The study underscores the dual nature of religion’s influence—its potential to unify and uplift societies versus its misuse in fueling discord—emphasizing the need to understand its complex interplay with socio-political dynamics.
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