Websters dictionary describes religion as the belief in a god or in a group of

gods. However, religion is much more than a belief, religion is an important part of our
society. Without religion, many people would loose their way. Religion provides a sense
of community for many people. Not only this, but religion provides something for people
to believe in after this life, it prevents death anxiety. Furthermore, religions are all based
on positive values and they allow for diversity within our society. Overall, religion is an
important aspect to our lives and it provides us with somewhere to go in times of trouble.
Undoubtedly, religion can take a turn for the worse. Sometimes, people follow a
religion so aggressively that they become extremists. They follow their religion
extensively resulting in violent actions. For example, ISIS is considered to be an
extremist group. ISIS is an Islamic rebel jihadist group that is globally considered to be a
terrorist group. For the past few years, they have been committing public acts of violence
and murder and disseminating pictures and propaganda through social media
(Willingham 2015). Many other terrorist groups have been formed revolving around
religion, especially the Islamic religion, such as Al Qaeda.
However, it is not necessarily due to religion that these groups are formed. In fact,
all religions are based on positive values. Every religion has good intentions and belief
systems. For example, a religion such as Islam, which is commonly related to terrorist
groups, has many genuine values. To be a Muslim, one must recite certain Arabic prayers
three times a day, give to the poor, once in their life worship a shrine in Mecca, one
month each year fast from food, drink, sex, and smoking from sunrise to sunset, and
repeat a creed about Allah and Muhammad . These are more commonly know as the five
pillars, Shahada, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj (Adamson, date). Furthermore,

Christianity is based on extremely positive, human values also. Many Christians live by
the Ten Commandments, being:
1. You shall have no other Gods than me
2. You shall not make idols
3. You shall not use the name of the lord your god in vain
4. Remember the Sabbath day and keep holy to it
5. Respect your parents
6. Do not murder
7. Do not commit adultery
8. Do not steal
9. Do not bear false witness against your neighbor
10. Do not covet (Holy Bible, 2011).
One of the specific commandments is do not murder. Religions do not value
violence; they value faith, peace, and honesty. Most religions are completely against
murdering innocent lives, so then why do extremist group who claim to be following
religion do it? Moreover, many of these extremist/terrorist groups only use religion as a
cover, and although they many have some religious intentions; their reasons are mainly
political. In 1916, the Sykes-Picot agreement was signed which split the Levant into
different colonies. Isis has stated that one of their goals is to destroy these borders and the
states a part of this agreement (Salman, 2014). This request from ISIS is simply political,
and has nothing to do with the Islamic religion. Many extremist groups mask their
political intentions with religious ones, causing them to be viewed as extremist groups
instead of terrorist groups. What these people are really seeking is power, control over

others. Power is often more valuable than religion. Religion was often used to hide the
race for power. When someone reaches power, he leaves religion to God and focuses on
worldly matters (Salman, 2014).
It is true that religion does sometimes cause separations. Many people have
different opinions and ideas of what religion should be. Richard Dawkins, a well know
atheist, believes that religion is the main cause of hatred and war on earth. A lot of the
hatred in the world is sectarian hatred (Dawkins, 2014). Sectarian hatred is hatred
caused due to different views and discrimination. People tend to think that their religion
is the only right religion, which causes arguments and rivalries. However, religion does
not only allow people to find others with like-opinions, but also creates communities.
People with the same or similar beliefs will tend to get along quite well compared to
those with opposing beliefs. Religion creates a place for people with shared value and
faith. These communities motivate people to get to know each other better and trust each
other even without having a long-term relationship (Hirschman 2003). Hirschman
continues to say Churches, and other religious organizations, also play an important role
in the creation of community and as a major source of social and economic assistance for
those in need. Church communities are a place for people to turn in times of social or
spiritual needs. Studies also have shown that people who are involved in religion tend to
be more ethical, meaning they avoid criminal behaviour, marital issues, alcohol abuse,
etc. In general, those involved in religion tend to be involved in activities such as
volunteerism, social activities that influence our society in a positive way (Plante, 2011).
Religious stories and lessons of the scripture generally have good morals and meanings
allowing for these people to follow this example. Religion gives us a moral compass

telling right from wrong and how to relate to each other and the world around us (Savill,
2015). Overall, religion is capable of bring people together, creating a community of
followers of the same beliefs and interests, allowing for an ethical group of people.
Religion is many things, but one does not often view it as being therapeutic. Yet in
fact, many people use their faith in times of trouble. People turn to their God in times
of need, even for someone to talk to. In Christianity, god represents healing, wholeness,
forgiveness, hope and new life. This religion says that we can be forgiven and start new,
and have a clean slate (Savill, 2015). The fact that God is forgiving welcomes people into
his arms and allows them to feel accepted by him. This goes for Judaism and Islam also.
Between God (or Allah) and Muslims, there is a sense of both awe and intimacy in the
relationship with the divine (Reem, 2012). Jewish people also have a similar
relationship, one that is unique and deeply personal (Scheinerman, 2013). Furthermore,
many people have found a new way of life once they found God. A middle aged woman
who had been an atheist her entire life found god through a close friend who was a strong
believer. She eventually concluded that the evidence for god was so strong that she could
not deny it. Once she found God, she learned how helpful he could be. In times of trouble
or tough decisions, god would speak to her though the Bible. God has better answers
than anything Ive ever read (Adamson, ). Many people turn to God when they are
seeking help, advice, or even hope. Conclusively, religion has been used as literal
therapy. Many recovery groups, such as AA, use basic beliefs in Christianity for hope.
Even hospitals, schools, and community help groups were founded by the Christian
church (Savill, 2015). Religion can help people through their pain and suffering because

Jesus suffered and died, was betrayed and beaten, and then resurrected. God welcomes
anyone with open arms.