Persistence of Religion in Current Society




The way in which religion should be perceived is controversial. Freud views religion as an “illusional characteristic of a phase of immaturity both for individual and human race.”
 

Photo 1: Birmingham Museums Trust on UnsplashPhoto 2: Temple of Amon at Karnak

Photo 3: Church of Hagia Sophia, Istanbul (Constantinople), Turkey, Byzantine, 6th century C.E.Photo 4:  “The Triumph of Justinian” (also called the "Barberini Ivory")

However, despite the pessimistic views to diminish religion, it is indisputable that religion has been the foundation of human society from the primitive ages up to the modern 21st century. Even up till now, there are 4300 religions, which all have their unique set of beliefs and practices.

Shirin Neshat. Passage. 2001

Then why did primitive civilization believe in religion? Was it simply believed to arouse communal spirit?



Dr. Marett provides more complex reasoning on why primitive society heavily relied on religion. Dr. Marett states that “religion arises and functions in situations of emotional stress, and particularly at the crises of life such as initiation and death.” 

Photo 6: Personal Photo

In primitive society, in which there was an absence of technologies and facts that can qualify our knowledge, religion provided important escapes where there was no practical way out. 

Even in the modern world, all people have their own fears and anxiety, regardless of the development of technologies.


To resolve one’s personal insecurities, individuals would have to resort to religion. 


Photo in Slide 7,8,9: Personal PhotosPhoto 10,11: Daniel Alvasd on Unsplash

However, Durkheim and his colleagues oppose the explanation of religion grounded on psychology and provide a new perspective on the matter. 

Durkheim states that “religion is not an individual matter. It is a social phenomenon, something general, traditional and obligatory.”



From the perspective of Durkheim religion’s persistence can be attributed to societal factors and cultures that are inherited from their parents, grandfathers, and ancestors.

The interview with Maria, a renowned anthropologist and shaman in Guatemala, supports Durkheim's view of religion. Maria states that many societies still pursue religion to feel the sense of belonging and inclusion.

Photo Levi Meir Clancy on Unsplash
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