Question

Answer the following question:
‘Religion is a pacifying agent, but can also act as a divisive force Justify this statement with three functions and two dysfunctions of religion.

Answer 1

Religion is indeed a pacifying agent as it helps to resolve the inner conflicts and fills the life with hope. However, it also acts as a diversifying force.

Following are some of the functions of religion :

1. Religion explains all the human sufferings:  Religion acts as a pacifying agent in times of suffering as it soothes the emotions during the disappointments and helps in the integration of the personality of a person. It sustains interest in life and helps in making it bearable.
2. It helps in enhancing self-importance:  It helps the person to believe in his capabilities and encourages him to play a significant role in society.
3. It is a valuable source of social cohesion:  Religion is the foundation upon which all the social values rest; which plays a role in controlling an individual’s actions. Hence, it helps in binding the society by giving common values.

Following are some of the dysfunctions of religion :

1. A Detrimental force:  Religion has often proved to be a catastrophic force as many times wars are fought in the name of religion. Many times it stands in the way of national integration. For example, the Mandir-Masjid issue in Ayodhya has brought a disastrous effect on national integration.
2. Religion promotes fanaticism:  People. following a particular religion often have a fanatic approach to the religion to which they belong and it can often promote a sense of superiority whereby people then tend to consider the religion of all others as inferior. This can create a sense of discontent often leading to the outbreak of communal violence amongst the people.