Do you think that a religious narrative is sufficient to address the problems we face in the world today? In other words, do you think our problems can be fixed through religion? Why or why not? (300-500 words)
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A religious narrative will only spur people into action if they already possess religious conviction; however, there are millions of people all over the world who do not believe, or are lacking belief, in any religion at all. And some of the biggest problems that we, as a worldwide community are facing cannot be addressed by only the religious factions of the world. I think that people as a whole have to reach the point where they can really see what is happening around the globe, realize how terrible it is, and then feel compelled to do something about it. For example, most of us are fortunate enough to live relatively comfortable lives; but extreme poverty is a serious reality for many people all over the world. Just trying to think about it, it's unimaginable for me to really fathom what it's like, and maybe that's enough to make me want to do something about it without any religious framework at all.
ReplyDeleteI don't want to make it sound like I don't think a religious narrative is important, because I think it can be. From what I understand, a religious narrative is the framework or foundation of a religion, which the followers of that religion use as sort of a guide as to how they should lead their lives. In this case it is very important, although maybe not sufficient in itself, to addressing the problems we face in today's world. My stereotypical idea of a “Christian,” for example, is a far-right/conservative/republican kind of person, staunch in their beliefs and unwilling to consider new ideas or answer questions. I mean, historically Christians have not hesitated to go to war, and that is not something I could support. I admittedly do not know much about the Christian religion (or any other religion, at that), so I sincerely hope that this view isn't held against me. But because this is what I see and hear, it's hard for me to want to become a part of that. Think of how different it would be if that perception could be changed to something more positive, like if it could be seen as just regular people doing what they can to help others, even complete strangers. If a religious narrative set that kind of example, then I think that it could be really powerful in really solving some of these problems. Even people without any religious faith could see the movement as simply helping others, and I think that it would take less convincing for people to join in, to become a part of it. I think that's where it has to start, with people just wanting to help people, before we can tackle any of the more large-scale problems of the world.
When it comes to religion the connotation is no longer peace, love and understanding. Religion has been the root of much struggle and strife in our world since the beginning of time. So many lives have been lost due to subtle differences in what one perceives to be truth. Something that is part of the problem can defiantly not solve the problem. If religion was going to be what solved the world’s problems then what religion would be chosen for the world? Or does one really think it is possible for religions to coexist when for thousands of years it has been the product of war, which still holds true today. Even now Muslims, Christians, and Jews are very violent towards each other and they slaughter each other over the same being they call God. For religion to change the world everyone would have to hold similar beliefs and values. However, this is not realistic because who chooses what is right and what is wrong?? Humanity has the right to think for themselves and hold onto their own personal truths. A more effective method of solving the world’s problems would be to teach tolerance and acceptance. One does not have to agree with the beliefs of others however, one should respect and tolerate that not everyone believes the same things. A level of compromise should be sought for in all issues when it comes to our world. There would be a lot less to fight about if this concept was understood by all. Religion is important for some however it is not important to everyone. What is important though is for humanity to respect, tolerate, and appreciate one another. We all have something special to offer the world and if we can put subtle differences aside many tribulations could be resolved.
ReplyDeleteAny form of narration or informative forums could spark a change if only people were apt to take part in the actions in which they were being informed. If a religious book gets published speaking of how the word of God can change the world in many different ways, and it was being sold at an agnostic/atheistic store, the likelihood of a major change spurring would be bleak. So it really just depends on the environment it was displayed. Besides that, the era in which it the “problems” would be addressed through the religious narration would be vital as well. If someone picked up a 1950’s religious narration with regards to social/physical problems of that time, it would be irrelevant unless the world culture were to face another situation similar to that. Therefore timing of publication is vital as well. Although if these two conditions were to be met in favor for change, something “productive” could arise. Religion is all about bringing people together, teaching the word of their own beliefs, and creating a community. For all religions, there is a sense of calming and positive nature within, some sort of comfort. With this comfort people typically will congregate and make change happen if they find suit. Therefore if something tragic were to occur, a religious group or religion in general could be able to solve it. Although, for most religions there is some sort of anti-religion, which is its own religion in some sort. There is a religion that is the complete opposite from the standards of the original. Both are as equally powerful, if both had the same amount of people, thus in this hypothetical situation, nothing would get solved. I realize that the point of this, though, is to ponder whether or not Christianity could spark some sort of worldly change. I believe it is possible because history demonstrates that it can. The Catholic Church declared a certain stereotype of woman as a witch, which created a societal change. A great number of people died in the “great witch hunts,” and there will always be some sort of “witch” figure intertwined in the United States culture, along with vampires and werewolves. Although, not for the positive light, or “fixing problems” this example shows how a religion can alter worldly culture. Lastly, people have to want to change for change to happen. There has to be some sort of spark, some sort of instant, to occur for change to happen. But to fix problems of the world, a religion, like everything else, has to take baby steps and slowly tear away at the problem instead of trying to tackle the whole thing in one fell swoop.
ReplyDelete"Problems of the world," is an interesting little phrase. The line brings to mind images of riots, hurricanes, wildfires, poverty, famine, and war. While there is no difficulty seeing tragedy strike often around the world, the issue of defining the world’s real problems is a little different. The search for solutions that provide real hope, real healing, and real change, must begin with an awareness of the human element (or human responsibility) in the problems that we face.
ReplyDeleteMany of the world’s most pressing issues seem to be uncontrollable forces, to which at best humanity can only react. Tragedy can be so overwhelming, that hope for peace or relief can seem futile. But if humanity, countries, states, and even communities were ever able to rally under the banner of human solidarity, with a hope for peace, and an awareness of each other, good things could come.
Could a religious narrative provide an avenue for people to address the issues that burden the world? No, but the solutions (or changes) that are needed all over the world are not new solutions, mostly because the issues we are facing are not new problems. The interesting question concerning religious narratives is could such a narrative turn enemies into family, binding together all people under one aim; to bring real hope, real healing, and real change?
Unfortunately, history hasn’t seen such a binding narrative. This is not to say that the powerful narratives that accompany numerous world religions are failed, or that they have not brought about real solutions to many problems. But it cannot be forgotten that many of these narratives have also led to more problems. Simply put, religious narratives stand as elements in the equation of the world’s problems, not as the solution.
Again, tragedy is widespread and overwhelming. The world’s problems may never be solved, but it is clear that these problems are being defined, evaluated, re-defined, debated upon, and fundraised against. Real hope, healing, and change is another issue, and the world’s problems must be addressed first by the small communities (friends and family) actually doing something to bring about change. Waiting on a narrative, a God, a law, or other people to do something, is not sufficient in battling real problems. It’s high time we did the little things, and maybe those who are really suffering today might find some relief.
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ReplyDeleteOur major and most immediately threatening issues come from religious conflicts. Therefore, it is only through religion to convince fundamentalists that violence was not the intention of their faith. At the core message of each major religion is peace. Unfortunately, there were many other messages presented to religious people at the same time that have skewed their personal version of their religion. These "personal versions" are sometimes very widely accepted... creating terrorism and also Christian ignorance and bigotry. Only religion can be used to convince those people otherwise.
ReplyDeleteOf course, in cases such as the conflict in Israel and Palestine there are other factors that facilitated the faith clash... namely poor decisions by the western world to plant a Jewish homestead in the middle of the Muslim world, on already settled land. Great idea. It's those kind of ideas that also led to the tensions between India and Pakistan. Those are political faults of the major powers of the world, and cannot simply be fixed by religion. After completely screwing up the division of the Middle East and Southeast Asia you can't simply re-redraw lines on a map and bring about peace either. Setting up a serious dialogue between American officials and our "enemies" would be the first step. That's not "negotiating with terrorists"... that's common sense. It's also necessary for American citizens to get a grasp on the serious ways that, at some point in the near future, world power is going shift east... wayyyy east to China. And what that may mean for any progressive politics we try to head-start here if world opinion truly sways towards the culture of the most powerful country. I don't believe we will completely lose our cultural influence on the world... it is embedded across the globe. But when a communist nation becomes more powerful than America, in terms of world politics, some things are going to change.
In response to whether religion has a role in fixing non-political problems, or domestic political problems, I would have to say... it wouldn't hurt. If we can get a lot of evangelical Christians fired up about the environment, equality issues and poverty in America then thank God! Maybe they can influence Washington to listen... I think the true problem with our nation's politics not solving any wide-spread issues is our two-party system. Life isn't black and white... and it isn't Democrat and Republican, either. We need more than two parties to give a voice to the millions of moderates and independents. And I am not saying that all effective changes must go through Washington and get a stamp of approval first. It's just that I haven't been thoroughly impressed with any grassroots efforts for change. When you turn on your local news at night you don't hear about those groups... you hear about senators and representatives. People are not aware of other vessels for change unless they are actively researching into a specific problem. Maybe that's where a religious narrative would be effective... if it had the power and reach to find millions of Americans who wouldn't already be interested in making a difference, and convert them to the cause of helping others, we may see great hope for change.
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