Society: The Great Test of Faith

The news article I found to write about comes from an old "hot topic" of sorts-the novel "The Davinci Code." The article appeared in a May 18, 2006 edition of "The Seattle Times" newspaper. The main point of the article is how the book and movie gives society a chance to discuss religion. But I more viewed the article my opportunity to talk about religion and its' effects in society.

Religion can be viewed as a social problem. Based on the criteria for defining a social problem we learned as a class on June 19, religion can be viewed as harmful to society. Religion can be harmful based on some of the practices it teaches.

As an example, take the Mormon church, whose members do honestly believe it is OK to have more than one wife.

Religion is harmful because in most cases the self interests of a few guide the ways of the many. Take the Mormon church in Utah or Vatican City by itself. There is also a vast difference between many of the ideals of society concerning religion and its ultimate achievement. If this wasn't the truth, than we as a society would all agree on one religion to guide us. Religion is also viewed as a significant social problem not only in the United States, but in other parts of the world. Wars have been fought over religion. Religion guided the attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

Religion itself can be viewed as a successful social movement. Based on class discussion on June 19, religion is a successful movement based on the shear number of people involved with it. Religion also has an effective, organized core that is used to spread the word of God. Religion also has an appeal to it. If it didn't, such religious organizations as the catholic church wouldn't exist. Look how much power religion has gained in our society. How many people do you know who could have a direct audience with the president of the United States such as the pope, but yet there is suppose to be seperation in policies governing church and state.