What roles do religions play in Appiah's analysis How is your approach similar to or different from his - Essay Example

IMPORTANCE OF RELIGION Introduction Religion has very diverse roles in the society. It is important to highlight that religion act as a bridge that connects different people from different cultures. It is also important to note that religion always gives people consolation and solution for problems. Let me highlight that most people have always sought the assistance of religion when cumbered with spiritual and social problems. This paper will therefore give a vivid explanation of Appiah’s story. Appiah has given a vibrant explanation of importance of religion. The following are the importance of religion according to Appiah. I will keenly observe the points raised by Appiah. In so doing I will criticize, such points to ascertain whether they are true. The importance of kingship is highlighted by Appiah to be very important. The arrival of the king at the palace is described as horrific. It is noted that the king wore quill of porcupine looking like a worrier ready to devour. In this way, the importance of the king in the Asante kingdom is very significant. This shows that kingship plays an integral part of Asante religion. Appiah highlights that when the king arrived, everyone remained standing until the king settled on the throne. This shows that the people had high degree of respect for their king (Furness 2009). The importance of modern religion has been highlighted in Appiah’s story. He was able to notice the picture of the king greeting the pope on the wall of the palace. This shows that the Asante people had respect and value for God. In this way, people are seen to have their own freedom of worship. Appiah has also highlighted that modernity has intruded in to acts of religion in the kingdom. In this case, most people have tried to embrace modernity. This has weakened the contemporary Asante religion. Appiah has noted that intrusion of western culture and way of life has tended to weaken the native Asante culture and religion (Kepler 2011). Appiah has highlighted vividly that religion is meant to unite people. For instance, people of Asante kingdom were seen to be united by this factor. They had common places for their worship. It has been noted that most people have embraced modern ways of religion. Most of the Asante elites are Catholics. Modern religion has resulted in unity of different people. In this case, people are able to work together as a team. I must highlight that I have agreed with Appiah statement on unity. In fact, the ultimate reason for religion is to foster unity among different people (Schieman 2011). This is because people from different backgrounds always come together to worship one GOD. Another importance of religion is to foster growth and development among the people. Appiah has highlighted that missionaries came to transform Africa. Through their new religion, they brought Christianity. In this case, most Africans were able to condemn their native way of life. The rise of Pentecostal messengers has even developed this view farther. The Pentecostal preachers are currently challenging the churches and condemning the old rites of idolatrous. This shows that religion is responsible for condemning of vices in the society (Anthony 2011). The preaching of the bible is based on the Ten Commandments that are meant to guide people on their relationship with GOD and others. Religion has a role for ensuring spiritual fulfillment. It is important to note that Appiah highlights that different people always need different conditions for spiritual fulfillment. In this case, such people can no more exist better in the same moral as compared to the manner plants can exist in same physical and climate. I have to agree with Appiah that spiritual fulfillment is always achieved through religion. This is the reason most people with different problems always go to church. In fact, nowadays, most people believe that their problems can be solved through prayers rather than traditional and cultural interventions. The increase in the number of people who go to church has increased due to increase in faith of many people in the churches. This has resulted due to increase in miracles performed by pastors in the churches. In fact, most sick people have been healed through miracles. This gives us another importance of religion, which is to foster a platform for healing of people. Appiah has highlighted that religion must be taken seriously in any society for the growth of the people and the society as a whole (Schieman 2011). Religion is also responsible for enlightening the world and creating peace. Appiah has explained vividly about the development of the Ummah. The ummah are young, global Muslim fundamentalists. Appiah has highlighted that the ummah have returned to very fundamentals and basics of the Islam faith. It is considered that this has been passed in Islam from different generations. It has been proposed that Islam’s pristine need to be cleansed. In this case, Islam will be dissociated from the local cultures. This will make the religion more vibrant. In this case, globalization has been proposed as the solution that will ensure that Islam is cleansed from the local cultures hence making it better religion (Haar 2006). Religion is meant to create harmony among different people. It has been observed that most Muslims have interpreted most principles of Islam in a negative manner. Jihad is an Islam fundamental that has been misinterpreted by many people. According to such people, jihad means a mere warfare. In real sense jihad was not meant to create warfare and insecurity. Let me highlight that I strongly agree with Appiah’s argument. Most cases of terrorism that are observed across the globe are because of misinterpretation of jihad. In this case, there has been an increase in crime and terrorism. Most Muslims have always participated in suicides and bombings. It has been observed that Muslims have been in the forefront to cause insecurity and terrorism. Such people always think that by doing so they always fight for the rights of their religion. It must be noted that God does not support killing. Religion must therefore be used to create harmony (Robinson 2011). Religion is also meant for enlightening people. Religion always gives a definition for life. In this case, religion always gives a strong reason as to why people must live. Most Christians always consider life as a fundamental right of an individual. Appiah therefore argues that it is not very easy to live without religion. He advises that we should never be like Marxist who has always wanted to do away with all kinds of religion. He argues that religion also ensures that there is justice. Christianity and Islam stipulate fundamental prescriptions for justice. In this case, the two religions have always supported justice among people (Robinson 2011). Appiah however advises that those that belong to one religion should not force those from another religion to join them. This was done by Osama bin Laden in 2002. He invited the citizens of US to join Islam to experience justice by worshipping Allah. This is not right since Americans also had their religion. Religion should therefore be used to build bridges rather than walls. Religion should be used to make new friends rather than enemies. It is important to note that Muslims as Osama bin Laden used Islam create enmity with Americans and other Christians (Robinson 2011). Even though I have agreed with the argument of Appiah concerning Islam and Christianity must highlight that I font agree with at some point. Cosmopolitan Muslims are humble enough to think that they might learn from strangers. He argues that cosmopolitan Muslims are humble to think that others cannot learn from them. This is true because I believe religion should be used to empower people and create peace and harmony. Religion should never divide people. The cosmopolitans should therefore remember that we are all human beings after all (Schieman 2011). Conclusion This paper has highlight very pertinent issues concerning religion. Appiah has given vibrant issues concerning relevance off religion in the society. This paper has noted that religion should create peace and harmony. Religion should also ensure spiritual growth. It has also been noted that religion should ensure development t of people and countries. Some religions like islands have been misinterpreted. For instance, the issues of jihad have been misinterpreted. I have highlighted ways in which I have agreed with the arguments propagated by Appiah and ways in which I have not agreed with him. 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