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Jordan Miller
Salt Lake City, UT
United States

Network Marketing Professional, RevvNRG

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What is the role of religion in society?

is it just an institution? does it play an key role in creating communities? is it really the kingdom of God on earth or is it a social club?

Topics: Theology community culture religion society

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E G 10+
- 0
Mar 11 2011: in my opinion the religion isn't at all the kingdom of God on the earth(even tough I agree with some consevative religious views)
James J. Winters jr.
- 0
Feb 28 2011: It's an evil thing that goes back further than you or I wil ever remember!! IT has started so many wars through the years, just go back and look at history and see what religion has wrought on this earth for it's own sake, and just how many have lost their lives following it and fighting for it. The middle east is a bed for the next big War to start and it will be over religion!
- Jordan Miller 20+
  - 0
  Feb 28 2011: is religion the cause or the excuse to go to war?
  - E G 10+
    
    +1
    Mar 1 2011: the religion could be used as a excuse to go to war (especially for uneducated people )
Mark Graves
- +1
Feb 24 2011: I think overall religion has a positive effect on society, for those who use the church simply as a "social club" which generates a community spirit and brings people together, to those perhaps more devout who try to live a "good life" by helping others, showing compassion, peace etc. I think the important thing to remember is the conflict and violence caused by religious extremism is by far outweighed by the good which comes about through the majority of ordinary religious people. This is happening all around us all of the time. Of course good news doesn't sell so this is rarely publicised.
Ana María Pérez 200+
- +1
TED Translator Associate

Feb 24 2011: Everyone is free to believe in what they want. In my opinion religion is the most profitable and successful business in the world. It controls and enslaves our minds.
E G 10+
- +1
Feb 23 2011: in my opinion the religion has a lot of roles in society , it all depends from what perspective we look at it , for example it is a strong mean of manipulation , but it is also and a spiritual energy .
loop johnny 30+
- +1
TED Translator

Feb 23 2011: To reassure people that everything is going to be okay.
Matthieu Miossec 100+
- 0
TED Translator Associate

Feb 22 2011: It can be all of these things to different people (very unlikely to be the kingdom of God on earth if you ask me). I think the real question is, does it play an overall positive role in today's societies? I have serious reservations about that.
- Jordan Miller 20+
  - 0
  Feb 28 2011: why?
  - Matthieu Miossec 100+
    
    +1
    TED Translator Associate
    
    Mar 5 2011: it's divisive, not everyone holds the same religious views. Some lack religious views. It creates unnecessary conflict. Secularism is a system that accomodates all without favoring one creed over another. A secular society is what is ideal.
    - Jordan Miller 20+
      
      0
      
      Mar 11 2011: by that rule we should do away with everything people have disagreements over.
  - Matthieu Miossec 100+
    
    0
    TED Translator Associate
    
    Mar 11 2011: My answer was a qualitative judgment proning no particular action.
Harald Jezek 50+
- 0
Associate

Feb 22 2011: I think the answer depends on whom you ask.
From my point of view religion is just one aspect of culture. Obviously, communities are created around religion. For some people (actually I know quiet a number of them) going to church is more for the purpose of a social gathering than worshiping some deity.
Obviously, religious people will strongly disagree with my stance ;-)
- Jordan Miller 20+
  - 0
  Feb 28 2011: perhaps you and I know many of the same people. I tend to believe thats standard.

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