Religion: less is more

A recent study conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life found that 18- to 29-year-olds in America tend to be far less religious than their parents and grandparents were at those ages.

Before you dismiss the youth of America as God-less cretins, it is important to note that the study found most young adults still abide by the same values and practices as older generations. Forty-five percent of those surveyed declared they pray daily and share similar views on miracles, heaven and hell, and the afterlife as older Americans.

Breaking away from a religious doctrine encourages independent thinking and a greater sense of personal choice. By not following one particular dogma, people are free to create their own lifestyle and discover what they think is the ultimate truth, rather than having it dictated to them.

While the concept of God serves as a moral compass for society, religion itself can often act as the opposite. Numerous wars throughout history were fought in the name of religion; the Crusades, French Wars of Religion and modern-day terrorism being among them. Centuries of anti-Semitism continue, and the animosity between Muslims and Hindus has no end in sight.

The purpose of religion is to provide hope and stability for society, yet it is used as a means of judgment in almost every aspect of life.Discrimination against homosexuals is rampant, and religion is often cited as a reason for being opposed to same-sex marriage.

Religion acts as a barrier in heterosexual marriage as well. For example, in some parts of India it is sacrilegious to marry someone who is not from the exact same religious sect and town as oneself.

Religion takes hold of our daily lives and worms its way into institutions, such as government, in which it is said to have no place. It is yet another method of sullying the dirty game of politics by diverting attention from the issues and directing it toward superficial characteristics.

Would Bobby Jindal be the governor of Louisiana if he had not converted from Hinduism to Christianity when he was in high school? Would Barack Obama be president today if he were Muslim?

Probably not.

This is not to say all religions are terrible and should be abolished. Rather, the way they are interpreted and practiced by people is the cause of bloodshed and discrimination.

Religion could be a terrific thing for the world if people did not have a penchant for turning it into the equivalent of the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry. Unfortunately, people have had the tendency to divide themselves into fanatical teams on any and every subject since the beginning of time, and that is not likely to change.

The decline of organized religion should not be viewed as the devastation of humanity but rather as one step closer to achieving unification of mankind. If harmony on earth can be accomplished without the label of religion, then the human race will have come a long way.


E-mail: pkansal@indiana.edu