Until I read James 1:27, I had developed a negative opinion toward religion, especially after realising that Jesus Christ did not come to establish a religion, nor is Christianity a religion. However, the Apostle James made me think deeper about religion when he wrote:
“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”
This verse taught me that there can be good or bad religion depending on the practitioner or the one leading it. Therefore, for the first time, I have decided to speak in favour of religion.
Indeed, religion has been a topic of much debate and discussion, with many secular people and even some within the religious sphere having a negative opinion of it. Many people want to see an end to religion, and some distance themselves from it to appear wiser, logical or acceptable to the world. Some negative and vicious attacks have been launched against religion due to the evils that have been associated with it. However, this negative perception of religion is an oversimplification of a complex issue.
Religion has been accused of being a tool for brainwashing people, but this is not unique to religion. Any ideology or belief system, even science and technology, can be used for both good and evil purposes. While there have been instances of religious manipulation and brainwashing, it is important to acknowledge the positive impact that religion has had on individuals, societies, and the world as a whole.
Religion has been used by good and honest people to build individuals and communities, to instill values, and to provide a sense of purpose and meaning in life. It offers a framework for understanding the world and one’s place in it, and for many people, religion is a source of comfort and guidance.
Religion has also played an important role in shaping our world. Many of the greatest thinkers, artists, and scientists in history have been inspired by their religious beliefs. Religion has been a driving force behind many of the world’s great social movements, including the abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage, and the civil rights movement.
Religious organisations have also done significant work in promoting humanitarian causes and helping those in need. They provide aid to the poor, the sick, and the marginalised, often working in areas where governments and other institutions cannot or will not.
Similarly, religion has been wrongly accused of being the root cause of conflict. According to scholars like Jeffrey Burton Russell, conflicts are not strictly rooted in religion, but are often driven by a range of factors such as economic interests, political power, and ethnic tensions. In many cases, religion is merely a convenient excuse to justify the actions of those in power. The belief that religion is responsible for wars is largely a Western dichotomy and a modern invention from the past few centuries.
Studies have shown that out of all 1,763 known and recorded historical conflicts, only 6.87% had religion as their primary cause. Similarly, only 11 of the world’s 100 deadliest atrocities were caused by religion. Even in our recent world, wars like World War I & I, the Vietnam War, Liberia Civil War, Russia-Ukraine War, etc, were not caused by religion. This means that the vast majority of wars and conflicts were not caused by religion.
In conclusion, while religion has been wrongly accused of being a tool for brainwashing and the root cause of conflicts, it is important to recognise the positive impact that religion has had on individuals, societies, and the world as a whole. Rather than demonising religion, we should recognise its potential for good and work to ensure that it is used in a positive way. We should also acknowledge that evil arise from complex societal factors and cannot be attributed solely to religion. By understanding the true causes of our societal challenges, we can work towards creating a more peaceful, harmonious and progressive world.
Abeiku Okai
Anathallo Chapel Int.
(+233) 0249287855