Meaning and purpose for the individual
Key religious questions
Human experience is characterised by a search for understanding of the great
questions. These great questions of meaning are also known as the key religious
questions. The most significant of these fundamental religious questions are those
concerned with the origin, purpose and destiny of humankind. These questions can
be phrased as where do we come from or, what is the origin of creation? Why are we
here or, what is the purpose of human existence? And what happens to us when we
die or, what is the destiny of human beings? These are not the only such questions but
they are the most significant. Religion attempts to set down guidelines, which answer
these key religious questions and in doing so attempts to impose some form of
coherence and order to life. However, religion often does not provide straightforward
answers to these questions.
Religion provides certainty in an ever changing world
One important function of religion is to provide a sense of consistency and certainty
to life in a world that appears to be ever changing. The belief in the existence of a
higher being, of a being that controls and watches over humanity allows human
beings to impose onto their lives, a framework of meaning, which gives human
existence a sense of direction. The way in which religion provides meaning to life is
particularly uplifting during times of crises, brought about by events such as the
death of a close friend or family member, the breakdown of long term relationships,
illness and unemployment where human knowledge can no longer provide
satisfactory answers to life's big questions.
Religion offers a sense of belonging within a community for individuals
Another important function of religion is to provide individuals with a sense of
belonging within a community. Human beings are, by nature, communal creatures
who strive to find a sense of belonging within society. Consequently, the development
of the ritualistic dimension of religion, such as the practice of prescribed rituals and
the partaking of communal worship within religious traditions, helps to provide
individuals with a sense of belonging to a community.
Role of ritual practice
Ritual practice not only strengthens the individual's relationship with a divine being
or ultimate reality, but it also renews an individual's bonds with a community of
believers. This sense of belonging is particularly important, when membership
consists of small ethnic minorities or groups that are socially marginalised or
alienated from mainstream society. Thus, religion also plays a significant role in
reinforcing the cultural identity of a group.
Theory of religion as a projection of fundamental human needs
Given the role of religion in fulfilling fundamental human needs, it is not surprising to
find theories which propose the idea that religion is a social construct, a myth
fabricated by human beings to meet human needs. One such theory is given by
Ludwig Feuerbach, a nineteenth century German philosopher who argued that religion
originated not from an examination of evidence which pointed to the existence of a
divine being but as a projection of the deepest desires and wishes of humankind.
Feuerbach's reasoning was that given the natural vulnerability of human kind, religion
probably developed as a result of the human need to believe in the existence of a
nurturing, higher being that will protect them.
Social cohesion
Religion reinforces traditional beliefs and practices
The idea that religion is a force social cohesion acknowledges the core role of religion
in affirming and reinforcing traditional beliefs, practices and social customs. This
function of religion in strengthening the traditional bonds of society can be regarded
as being both a negative and a positive force.
Positive effects of religion as a force of social cohesion
On the positive side, religion can provide communities with a sense of continuity
and certainty in an uncertain and confusing world. For example, immigrants can
turn to their religion as a source of continuity from the world they have just left
behind. Another positive role of religion, which is inherently conservative, is that it
provides modern society with a sense of stability and clarity in a world that is
becomingly increasingly complex and rapidly changing.
Negative effects of religion as a force of social cohesion
On the negative side, since religion is inherently conservative in many ways, it also
serves to reinforce values and traditions which may be unjust. For example,
throughout history religion has been used as a means of authorising the legitimacy
of unjust institutions such as slavery and the oppression of women.
Social transformation
Paradoxical role of religion in history
The great paradox with religion is that whilst it can be used to uphold and preserve
traditional institutions, values and practices, religion can also be used as a tool for
social transformation which criticises the very structures, customs, and beliefs of its
own societies.
Religion and social justice
Religious groups have a long tradition of campaigningfor social justice, equality, and
advocating the rights of groups that have been marginalised by mainstream society.
For example, religious groups are often at the forefront of campaigns which seek to
address issues such as poverty, environmental degradation, global conflict, economic
inequality, indigenous rights and unemployment. These values of equality, peace,
justice and tolerance are derived from the sacred writings of the religious traditions
and from the stories of founders and significant leaders of the traditions.
The importance of working towards a just and peaceful society is integral to the
message of all major religious traditions and as such these groups are regularly seen
working in areas leading towards social transformation.