The Importance of Understanding the Sociological Perspectives of Religion - Essay Example

Essay 1. Explain why it is important to understand the sociological perspectives of religion. What are the commonalities between all major faiths? How does religion encourage cohesion? It is important to understand the sociological perspectives of religion because it helps in defining and understanding the role and function of religion in the society. Sociological perspectives of religion, aid people in interpreting the various issues that relate to religion, hence the importance of sociological perspectives (Wilcox 24).

It is also important to understand sociological perspectives of religion in the sense that it provides a basis of defining influence of religion in peoples lives and the interpretation of symbols used by various outfits (Eshleman et al. 37). All major faiths exhibit certain commonalities that cut across the board. For instance, all major faiths have a community of believers who subscribe to the beliefs and teachings of the particular outfit. Moreover, all the major faiths have a supernatural authority to whom they owe allegiance in this case God.

It is also important to note that all major faiths have some level of influence in the society to the extent that they shape the behavior and understanding of individuals about certain aspects of life. The basis of every religion is to promote fundamental moral standards in the society. Religion promotes and reaffirms the significance of values in the society. Consequently, religion encourages individuals to engage positively in every dimension of life as a consequence of ensuring harmony and peaceful coexistence in the society.

Essentially, religion creates bonds between different people and groups in the society to help deal with conflicts and inherent disagreements in the society (Furseth and Pål 151). Essay 2 2. How do politics and political affiliations affect society? The extent to which politics and political affiliations affect the society cannot be overemphasized. Political decisions are a major source of impact to the society to the extent that what is decided on the basis of politics affects relationships and structures of the society.

Political parties in a given society have different ideologies and manifestos that are presented to the public for a public vote. The idea of presenting a particular ideology to sections of the society is make them agree or oppose a particular move emanating from a different group. Governments are political outfits elected by the people through a popular initiative. The government, therefore, has a mandate and authority to promote and safeguard the interest of the people (Huntington 64). The laws that are initiated by the government regulate and govern relationships and value systems to a greater extent.

For instance, in some areas such as the Middle East, there is a particular way of dressing and the relationships between people or groups are governed by the norms instituted by the state. The social fabric of the society is determined by the behavior of political players (Huntington 64). Moreover, politics can cause tension and conflicts in the society. Case in point is that when political outfits disagree on certain fundamental issues, the misunderstanding spill to the public, thus generating conflicts in the society.

Political affiliations affect the society in the sense that when individuals subscribe to a given ideology or agenda furthered by a particular party or group, it breaks the bond that hold the society together (Morgan and Suzanne 312). For instance, when social democracy clashes with capitalistic tendencies, the society is left in disharmony. Consequently, political affiliations aid in meeting the demands of the people. For example, political affiliations act as the voices of the people in different spheres of the society either economically or socially.

Works Cited Eshleman, J R, Barbara G. Cashion, and Laurence A. Basirico. Understanding Sociology. Redding, Calif: Horizon Textbook Pub, 2005. Print. Furseth, Inger, and Pål Repstad. An Introduction to the Sociology of Religion: Classical and Contemporary Perspectives. Aldershot, England: Ashgate, 2007. Internet resource. Huntington, Samuel P. Political Order in Changing Societies. New Haven, Conn: Yale University Press, 2008. Print. Morgan, Leslie A, and Suzanne R. Kunkel. Aging, Society, and the Life Course.

New York: Springer Pub. Co, 2007. Internet resource. Wilcox, Melissa M. Religion in Todays World: Global Issues, Sociological Perspectives. New York: Routledge, 2013. Print.