Religion is considered to be an aspect of a society’s way of life, which implies that factors that influence a society’s way of life will have an impact on religious perspectives. Race, ethnicity, social class, and neighborhood are just a few examples of such variables. How factors such as ethnicity, social class, and neighborhood influence a person’s religious beliefs, as well as how society can improve the religious system, are discussed in the essay below.
One example of the association between religious beliefs and these factors is the marginalization of certain groups based on religious lines, such as Jews, which is one of the proofs of this association. In the event that these ethnic minorities face any form of threat to their religious identity, they may choose to hold on to their religious beliefs. Some ethnic conflicts are exacerbated by differences in religious beliefs, particularly when one ethnic community feels threatened by another or when religious practices are perceived to call for conflictive actions. In ethnic conflicts, religion can also be involved through the use of religious institutions, which can turn a secular conflict into a religious issue. Additionally, the predominance of a particular religion in a neighborhood may cause the religious beliefs of minority members who may be living within that neighborhood to change.
The disparity between social classes has an impact on religious beliefs and practices as well. For example, in today’s rapidly changing technological world, the very concept of religious beliefs does not always ring true or seem appealing. People may believe that their religious beliefs are unimportant because there are other things that can satisfy them in their lives. A strong correlation exists between religious affiliation and a person’s socioeconomic status as well. Among white Catholics and white Protestants, for example, some of the more individualistic behaviors are more prevalent, followed by black Protestants and later Jews. Regarding structuralist beliefs, Feagin (186-92) discovered that Black Protestants and Jews hold these beliefs in higher regard than white Protestants and Roman Catholics, respectively. Political and social interpretations of religious identity can be influenced by religious identity as well. Some people would only associate with a political affiliation that supports their religious beliefs, even if the leadership skills and capabilities of those in leadership positions are ineffective. This is true even if the political affiliation supports their religious beliefs. Religious practices and beliefs are significantly influenced by advances in science and technology. Consider that the majority of people in the current generation would rather place their faith in what is measurable, proven, observable, scientific, and valid than they would place their faith in the existence of supernatural beings, which they consider to be delusional or wishful thinking on their part.
Being a member of a religious organization group provides both formal and informal opportunities for people to socialize with other members of the group. Social class differences, on the other hand, have an impact on religious beliefs, with the rich expressing their beliefs in a different way than the poor. According to Davidson (462-485), poor people are more likely than wealthy people to pray in private, to be committed to and submit to their religious doctrines, and to have intense religious experiences during their lives. The wealthy and upper classes, on the other hand, are more likely to attend religious services and to make generous contributions to religious organizations. For example, the poor demonstrate greater religiousness as a form of reprieve from their suffering, whereas the rich participate in religious activities with the intent of proving the legitimacy of their claim to be members of a high social class.
Improvement in religious systems can only be achieved if society as a whole joins together and adopts collective strategies for improvement. One of the ways in which the general public can effect change is by coming together across secular and religious lines and agreeing on the course of action to be taken. It is important for religious institutions to avoid teachings that endanger the peace and stability of a society. Parents should always set a good example for their children when it comes to their religious beliefs. If the youths do go through a period of temporary indifference, they can still rely on the example set by their parents to help them reclaim their faith in the long term. In addition to being role models for young people, chaplains, teachers, priests, and other religious leaders can serve as mentors. Having a positive educational experience related to religious beliefs can aid them in enhancing and strengthening their religious beliefs. Religious practices are essential in instilling and reinforcing social values and ethics in the public sphere, which helps to strengthen societal cohesiveness and neighborliness. This implies that every member of society has an important role to play in ensuring that the factors that have a negative impact on religiosity are eliminated.
Several sources are cited.
Joe Feagin is the author of this work. “Black Catholics in the United States: An exploratory study,” according to the authors. Sociological
analysis, no. 29 (1968), pp. 186-92
Davidson, James, “Socio-Economic Status and Ten Dimensions of Religious Commitment,” Socio-Economic Status and Ten Dimensions of Religious Commitment, Socio-Economic Status and Ten Dimensions of Religious Commitment.
Sociology and Social Research, vol. 61, no. 4, pp. 462-485, 1977.
Simonton, M. (2022). Demagogues and Demagoguery in Hellenistic Greece. Polis: The Journal for Ancient Greek and Roman Political Thought, 39(1), 35-76.
