It’s estimated that 86% of the world’s population still believes in God, in some form or another. While the argument for God’s existence will never end, all religions have a place in our world. Regardless of their individual creeds, they make our world better. Here are five ways that world religions inspire a better world.
Peace-making
Peace is a deep human need, individually, but even more so collectively. As war becomes an ever increasing threat, anyone working towards peace is automatically protecting the future of the world. While throughout history, political religion has been responsible for many conflicts, the core of all religions speak peace and inspire understanding. An example of religious peace at work in our world right now is Peace TV, a Muslim website that advocates for peace and acceptance of all races, genders, and religions.
Values
Studies show that faith improves people’s values. A society shaped by religion, then, can improve the values of society as a whole. A society with values is a society in which people are treated with better love and respect, smoothing conflict and inspiring harmony. Many religious organizations assist individuals with recovery and the road to a healthier life. A Christian organization, Beachway Therapy Center accepts Cigna coverage and works with recovering addicts.
Human rights
Much of the concept for human rights has its basis in religion. “Treat others as you would want to be treated” is the core of many faiths, and its influence on people’s perspective helped create the rise of human rights. Many religious leaders were involved in the human rights movements of 19th century America, assisting women and African Americans in their ascent.
Anti-corruption
Many people define integrity as how you behave when no one is watching. Without the sense of working towards a higher good, or having a good God to answer to, there becomes less of a reason to maintain integrity, especially when no one is watching. While the idea that God is always watching makes some uncomfortable, it provides others with a sense of peace and purpose and encourages them to make loving choices even when no other human is around to see.
Business ethics
In the same vein, a business owner who believes in a greater good will run a company with more care towards their employee’s needs. People will become a higher priority, and workplace practices, salaries, and job hours will be affected by the owner’s desire to treat people fairly. Religions were, and still are, actively involved in ending practices like child labor, emphasizing the value of human life as a greater good.
Religions, since they are run by people, are often flawed. We all have faults, and our faults can seep into the doctrine of our religions and change our behavior. Each world religion, however, at its core, should inspire harmony, love, and understanding. We have world religions to thank for much of the good that exists in the world today.
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