Religion has been possessing a great impact on the society throughout the history of mankind. Of course, the extent of this process was not always equal, but its presence was always notable. In the Middle Ages it was developed, maybe, to its highest extent, when it was believed that God is the centre of Universe, and government was entirely controlled by clerics. Here appears the reasoned question, if it is beneficial for society being influenced by a religion greatly. According to the history it has either positive aspects or negative ones.
Religion can be a useful tool for government to set social order, since better infinite future in the afterlife is destined for a model person, who has lead his/her life according to the particular rules. At first glance the role of government here is not clear. However, it is not excluded that government can amend these very rules.
In addition, if a country experiences some difficulties, which, as a rule, are supported by hard times for its citizens, religion can hold out a helping hand. Rough period is much easier to overcome having the light in the end of the tunnel in front of the eyes.
The impact which religion has on individuals can be demonstrated from the so called scientific point of view. Such questions as what was at the very beginning, who created the world and why things are happening in the way they are, always troubled people. For some of them it can be too overwhelming to comprehend these aspects. Therefore, religion takes the stage offering a Supreme Being who is responsible for all what is happening.
Moreover, religion is often a hope for people for a better. If a life is not so marvelous as it is supposed to be, it is not disastrous, since it is only a transition period which leads to a fantastic perspectives. This idea is expressed perfectly well by John Green (2006): “People, I thought, wanted security. They couldn't bear the idea of death being a big black nothing, couldn't bear the thought of their loved ones not existing, and couldn't even imagine themselves not existing. I finally decided that people believed in an afterlife because they couldn't bear not to”.
On the other hand, religion can be used in a negative way. With the help of a society can be broken into groups opposed to each other. Usually wars follow such collisions. Some groups can be convinced that it is superior one, as a result discrimination can be expected. A vivid example here may be crusades, Christian members of which considered people of other religions to worship wrong ones. It was believed that such people deserved death.
Of course, such events can be avoided if religion was independent from politics. It must be a field dealing only with spiritual aspects of life. Furthermore, people should be taught from the very birth how to be tolerant and respect traditions not only of own nation but others as well.
To sum up, it is necessary to emphasize that …