Important teachings from the unit
The unit teaches and gives insights into religion and its relation to sociology. Religion refers to a set of interconnected believes and rituals all which provide guide dance and insights into life. Sociology of religion involves analyzing and studying various beliefs (Roberts & Yamane, 2012). The unit is importance since it helps learners is understand how sociology affects and influences religion and vice versa. For instance, it through this unit that we get to learn of religion gets to be termed as evil as explained by Richard Kimball (Roberts & Yamane, 2012). The unit also tries to give explanation on how religion gets to be termed as evil and under what circumstances (Roberts & Yamane, 2012). In addition, topics expounded in this unit draw lines of distinction between can be categorized as institutional and individual forms of violence (Roberts & Yamane, 2012).
Religion and conflict
Religion and conflict are a bit controversial in nature since religion is on one hand viewed as a source of conflict when the same time, it is the tool through which conflicts are resolved. As a result, it becomes necessary to adopt a multidimensional approach to comprehend the varying functions of religion. Religiously motivated leaders take crucial roles to be able to address and resolve conflicts in many dimensions (Roberts & Yamane, 2012). Human rights have to be applied to ensure that everyone gets justice in resolving conflicts. Human rights are set of laws that govern the conduct of people towards others (Roberts & Yamane, 2012). People have different views regarding the origin of human rights. For instance, in the US people argue that God defines rights. Other people like liberal political activists argue that the Supreme Court determines rights. The question of who determines rights is not very important so long as every human being is treated with respect (Roberts & Yamane, 2012).
. Religions and World Peace
Religion is primary the main determinant of peace in the world. Different religions have emerged and they all have varying ideas of what peace ought to be determined by (Roberts & Yamane, 2012). Hinduism for instance, is said to be world’s most ancient religion and advocates for world peace (Roberts & Yamane, 2012). However, controversies emerge when religions become start turn people against each other. All religions have one thing in common however, they all contain some element or idea of peace n its doctrines (Roberts & Yamane, 2012). All religions have some visible similarities especially when it comes to teaching of undisplined minds and roots of trouble. Religion offers a path that will guide people to attaining a spiritual mind stature that confirms peace of mind and to the society (Roberts & Yamane, 2012).
When Religion Becomes Evil
Charles Kimball, well renowned religious professor ties to elaborate warning signs that to be seen when the world comes the ends (Roberts & Yamane, 2012). The signs he prophesied were for instance absolute truth claims regarding religion (Roberts & Yamane, 2012). Dr Kimball also talked of the end justifying t means and he declared that a holy war might erupt (Roberts & Yamane, 2012). He also mentioned of absolute truth claims, which would confront and test people’s intelligence and mind ability (Roberts & Yamane, 2012). An example of end justifying the means was the suicide bombings that occurred in Israel because of racism and political hatred among the nationals (Roberts & Yamane, 2012). Holy war on the other hand, is best illustrated by the recent conflict of interests between Muslims and Hindus over Kashmir (Roberts & Yamane, 2012).
References
Roberts, K. A., & Yamane, D. (2012). Religion in sociological perspective. Los Angeles: SAGE/Pine Forge.
