The Controversies of Religion 

By: Ixchel Perez

For as long as we have known, Religion has played a huge factor in the way the world has been running. It has influenced dramatically the decisions of past rulers, killers, and healers. We all need something to believe in, whether it be something of the supernatural, or something materialistic. It has provided a sense of purpose and a guide to a better life, but not for everybody. Religion has also caused wars, regulations and radical points of view. The pros of religion can benefit greatly for those who have an open mind and heart, it can bring hope and inspiration for those who are in need of answers. The reason for many believers can be that they believe that there is a higher power who listens to them and can provide for their needs. Maybe that is why people with mental illnesses such as depression can feel loved and not alone when they believe in a supernatural being watching over them and walking beside them through troubles. Religion can also create communities with people who share common values and morals. This can easily turn into a negative thing though because it can encourage negative behavior and thinking to those outside of this community. The possible outcome of forming communities is also the feeling of comfort, knowing that there will always be specific people who can be counted on to help in whatever situation. Religion has many useful and universal teachings, which can be incredibly helpful for many. It can be viewed as a structure for the rollercoaster of life. Not all good and bad things come from religion though. Maybe because many of the world was raised on the idea of a higher power controlling absolutely everything happening, they can misinterpret the consequences coming from the wrong forces. When things go wrong the first conclusions believers come to is that the devil, or “The evil nature” obviously had something to do with it, but that may not be the case. Everybody wants something else to blame to avoid the truth being that they were the ones who caused it, that can lead to them even blaming the forces in which may not even exist. Religion has been proven to be the source of many historic wars and conflicts between people since the beginning of time. To disagree with someone's rock hard foundation can be the reason to become defensive and radical. Religion can encourage bigotry against minority groups that are believed to be “sinful” in their religious books. Their main focus is to show the world the love from their higher power and save as many souls as they can from an eternal misery. This obviously didn't go as smoothly as they had hoped for, because not only had they been known to be the group that discriminates almost everything globally, but also some of the worlds biggest hypocrites. In exploring this topic I have found that religion has caused more conflict than it has solved. Coming from an incredibly religiously encouraged family, I have realized how toxic it can become and how abusive it can be. Religion, of course, can be healing and nurturing for many people, but in the wrong hands can turn into something violent. Religion should be a personal experience and should never be used to shame anybody for their lifestyles that don't match theirs. It should be a loving and accepting practice and teaching because I truly believe that in the right hands it can help create peace. Religion has so much to offer, all different religions. One is not right and all is not wrong, to one's personal healer.