A Case for Religion

A headline earlier this week read, "Aaron Rodgers: More Popular than Jesus Christ". It is evident that religion is not as great an influence on society as it once was. The scientific revolution led to increasing doubt in religious dogma. In addition, humanity is no longer an agricultural, rural society, where everybody is familiar with one another. People reside in swarming metropolises nowadays, and they exclaim that religion is holding them back. Why should a corporation take a day of rest when their thousands of employees work different shifts? On the contrary, religion is still very meaningful to many people. Deeply consider religion is not a universal solution to all people's problems, but keep in mind religion being illegitimate for one person is no reason to press anti-religious thought on others. Similarly, recognize religion is not the same for any individual, and it can be quite loose or very fundamental. Aaron Rodgers may be more popular than Jesus Christ, but this is no basis for one to conclude that religion is unnecessary for the modern world.

Most people first think of deities and prophets when religion is brought up in conversation, but it is also a source of joy and celebration. Religion emphasizes core values, such as love, responsibility, family, and generosity. From birth to death, many religions recognize important life cycle events. While a wedding can be done in a courthouse or casino, some feel a full celebration with a religion aiding them in the process more memorable. Love is indescribable, but a religious leader can help a pair of fiancés define their relationship. The Jewish practice of a Bar Mitzvah is rewarding for many Jewish children, teaching them responsibility at the beginning of adolescence. Religion is like a source to fall back on when there are upcoming, major events. It is a well of beauty, significance, and understanding.

While religion is a divider among nations of the world, it brings groups together too. If every person in the world was ideologically identical, the world would be a monotonous place. Religion unifies people. After Friday night services, there is an Oneg Shabbat. Jews come to shmooze, but in many temples this ritual is more than polite chit-chat. All the Jews in the world share a common 5,000 year old history and culture, yet there is a wide spectrum of tradition. It is not religious differences that separates these groups, but people themselves. A friend and I were making a case for and against religion. She claimed religions start wars. If one takes the Spanish Inquisition, is religion to blame? Rather, King Ferdinand and the society he created in late 1400s Spain is what led to the Jews' expulsion and murder. Likewise, religious tolerance is a rewarding skill to practice, for it prepares people to handle other traits that are out of a person's control. By being separate, humans actually come closer together.

Although much happiness is found from religion, it is an outlet for comfort in the darkest of hours as well. Whether one is sick or dying, many turn to their faith for support. Since religion can not cure their friend's cancer or bring back a dead relative, skeptics discount this benefit. Instead, religion can be a hug after a loss. I know that I am on the committee in my synagogue to help the family of our congregant's members who are sick and dying. Representing the temple, I send get well and condolence cards to temple members. Additionally, rabbis, ministers, and the like are an open set of ears to pour one's feelings into a times become rough. When a person close to us falls ill, we feel helpless. Prayer is an aid for all, but offers a way to help in such a desperate time. A fellow congregant of mine once taught me prayer is not asking God to heal a broken arm. His prayer involved requesting that the person with the broken arm gain the strength to deal with this injury. Trying this, I realize it a way to gain hope. Subsequently, many religions teach to visit and help the sick. One can do this on their own, but through a place of worship it is organized and easier to go as a group. Religion can be a pathway to another family that supports one under any circumstance.

Many religions are ancient, and as some denounce, they are out of date. If this is so, these disbelievers should reform. While there are very conservative religious institutions, there are many that are open to change. I constantly question Judaism's philosophies. Religion is partly about preserving tradition, but there are many things that are, in fact, out of date. We should attempt to choose a religion that is applicable to us. Try to tie religion into a passion. Like to cook? Explore some holiday time recipes. Do not believe in a god? Find a particular religion that does not rely on theistic ethics. As I said before preaching religion, it is not for everyone. There are just some people who find it repulsive. Perhaps, football is more of a priority in Wisconsin right now. When it comes to finding jobs in this nation, a Packers victory may bring more smiles to faces than a Sunday church service. This is okay, but religion is not dying. There are still many positives assets to be explored. Religion makes us think. It makes us question our morality. How else are we supposed to develop a sense of right or wrong? Watching the Packers play?