IMMANUEL COLLEGE OF THEOLOGICAL AND CHRISTIAN

EDUCATION
SAMONDA, IBADAN
(IN AFFILLIATION WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN)

COURSE TITLE:
INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF RELIGION
COURSE CODE:
THEO 119

THE IMPACTS OF RELIGION ON THE SOCIETY

A TERM PAPER SUBMITTED BY:

ABANU, SORKA JOSEPH

ICBT/2020/3877

LECTURER:

THE VERY REV’D EBENEZER IDOWU ARIYO

NOVEMBER 2020

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1.0 INTRODUCTION
Throughout history, religion has continued to be a central part of societies and human experience,
shaping how individuals react to the environments in which they live. Since religion is such an
important part of societies around the world, sociologists are very interested in studying it. Sociologists
study religion as both a belief system and a social institution. As a belief system, religion shapes what
people think and how they see the world. As a social institution, religion is a pattern of social action
organized around the beliefs and practices that people develop to answer questions about the essence
of our existence. As an institution, religion persists over time and has an organizational structure into
which members are socialized. What is important is the ability to examine religion objectively in its
social and cultural context.

There are many localized variations of world religions, and vernacular or folk beliefs and practices
that are closely connected to a specific culture or location. Some of the world’s major religion are,
Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc. In this write-up, some of the impacts of
religion on the society will be discussed.

2.0 Definition of Religion

According to Oxford Dictionary, religion is the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling
power, especially a personal God or gods.

Scholars have failed to agree on a definition of religion. There are however two general definition
systems: the sociological/functional and the phenomenological/philosophical.

According to Emile Durkheim defined religion as “a unified system of beliefs and practices relative
to sacred things, that is to say things set apart and forbidden – beliefs and practices which unite into
one single moral community called a church, all those who adhere to them [1].

Max Lynn Stackhouse, defined religion as “a comprehensive worldview or ‘metaphysical moral

vision’ that is accepted as binding because it is held to be in itself basically true and just even if all
dimensions of it cannot be either fully confirmed or refuted [2].

3.0 Religion and the Alleviation of Poverty

Religion and poverty are two of the world’s most enduring social and cultural phenomena. They have
a long and eventful history, and are closely interrelated: for instance, on the one hand, there is a long
tradition of religiously motivated poverty; on the other hand, giving to the poor is often seen as a
religious duty.
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In recent years extensive research has been undertaken to explore the extent to which religions can
contribute to poverty reduction. At the micro level, this may be related to the role of religion in the
everyday lives of those in poverty, and the formation of norms and practices—for example, when it
turns out that religiosity, or even belonging to a particular religion, has the potential to alleviate
poverty, such as by acting on it at the motivational level and encouraging people to try to break out of
poverty rather than submit to it. However, the focus of most research tends to be on those who fight
poverty— through philanthropic activities, in faith-based organizations (FBO) and via other outlets.

In many religions, helping poor and marginalized people has a long tradition as a form of lived faith.
Giving alms to those in need, for example, often becomes part of a believing Muslim character and
one of the five pillars of the Islamic way of life (Ali and Hatta, 2014; Raimi et al., 2014). Zakat is
considered a compulsory almosis, which means that it is a duty for all who have received their
belongings from God to help the needy members of the community. In Christianity, the support of the
poor by wealthy individuals, monasteries and the church is widespread and can be traced back to the
faith’s origins in the 2nd chapter of Acts of the Apostles. Religious and faith-based social organizations,
as well as churches and congregations, are engaged in a variety of ways in poverty reduction and the
provision of social and health services and assistance. They do this both in the developed countries of
the global North and in the developing countries of the global South, where different forms of
organization and degrees of institutionalization and internationalization can be found. [3]

4.0 The Impact of Religion on Culture

Religious culture shape and are shaped by the cultures around them. In the African context for instance,
most of the annual festivals usually celebrated have now given way to Christian Events because the
influence of Christianity on the African Culture.

In the early Roman Empire, a new religion, Christianity, was at first viewed as threatening or at the
very least blasphemous, to the beliefs of the leadership. Easy to blame for the troubles in the empire,
early Christians experienced persecution, such as penalties for practicing their religion and even being
put to death.

This emerging religion that was originally so persecuted would eventually go on to influence the entire
Roman empire in a big way. In particular, Christianity received a major boost when the Emperor
Constantine professed Christian beliefs. Though he still allowed for pagan traditions during most of
his rule, over time his interest in Christianity would impact the spirituality of the empire. For instance,
as emperor, Constantine could affect what opportunities were available to practice different faiths. He

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had the power to create or destroy buildings where people worshiped. The emperor also greatly
influenced the degree to which these beliefs were integrated into the government itself.

As a result, the spread of Christianity integrated the Church and the state more than had been
previously. While we are used to thinking of a separation between church and state as a critical
component of a free society, in the time of the Roman Empire, Christianity became more solidified in
the politics of that area of the world.

5.0 Impact of Religious Institutions on Society

As religion so its institutions also play an important role in social life. None can deny the fact that the
different kinds of social institutions such as, domestic, economic and political influence on religious
institutions. But it is also true that these institutions are sometimes influenced by religious institutions.
Sometimes it is found that the members of a particular religion unite together, and for the greater
interest of the society they perform different humanitarian activities. It is evident from the above that
religious institutions perform not only their religious activities , they also discharge different types of
activities related to social welfare such as, charitable hospitals, schools, homes for the homeless. These
institutions also run orphanages and collect money for the poor people. It cannot be denied that religion
has an external form of social control. The different activities of the people and their different spheres
of social life are still influenced by religious rites and ceremonies. People generally express their
religious feelings through rituals and ceremonies.

In addition, Religion helps to shape the character of an individual therefore it moulds social life. It
brings forth the sense of social value in the mind of people. In obeying the social laws or to respect
the elders and to show sympathy towards the feelings of others, or to discharge the social obligations
faithfully, the role of religion is immense. In those cases it acts as a teacher.

Moreover, religion teaches that the man’s love and services to God will be real only if he loves and
serves humanity. In developing moral consciousness amongst people, religion acts as an inspiring
factor. Religion enforces uniformity of behaviour and it strengthens social solidarity and thereby acts
as an instrument in stabilizing social order. In primitive age the influence of religion was very great in
controlling society and this feature is not totally lost even today. Social life of primitive people were
controlled by inspiring God-fear in their minds but in modern age people are inspired not by fear but
by the hope for the attainment of virtuous and noble life. Thus by fostering patriotic sentiments in
men, religion helps to maintain social integration.

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In describing the role of religion Dr. S. Radhakrishanan says “Religion is the discipline which touches
the conscience and helps us to struggle with evil and sordidness, saves us from greed, lust and hatred,
releases moral power and imparts courage in the enterprise of saving the world”. This sums up the
impact of Religious Institution in the society.

6.0 Mental Health

Spirituality is a concept that evades simplistic definition, categorization or measurement and yet it
affects the social, emotional, psychological and intellectual dimensions of our lives. In this section, a
link between spirituality and religious expression will be established with different aspects of mental
health and, in particular, different mental health problems. The evidence is equivocal; some
expressions of spirituality are helpful, in some ways, some of the time. These tend to be expressions
of spirituality that encourage personal empowerment, that affirm and embrace diversity and that
promote the importance of emotions such as hope, forgiveness and purpose. Other aspects of
spirituality seem to have no effect on mental health or, in some cases, can lead to feelings of guilt,
shame or powerlessness, which can be damaging or harmful to a person’s mental health. Overall,
however, the general consensus in the literature seems to be one of cautious optimism about the role
spirituality can play in promoting and maintaining good mental health. Many factors are proposed to
account for these benefits. Spirituality can affect a person’s coping styles or their locus of control
perceptions. It can also provide access to a network of social support and increase social capital, both
of which are widely acknowledged to promote and sustain emotional and psychological wellbeing.
Some expressions of spirituality affect the lifestyle and may encourage individuals to limit illness-
related behaviours, such as smoking, drinking excessive alcohol and overeating, or to increase health-
related behaviours such as meditation, exercise and helping others. [4]

7.0 The Impact of Religion on Economic Growth

The level of development of a country is affected by many factors. Economists tend to emphasize the
impact of economic variables such as Religion which is a source not only of intolerance, human rights
violations, and extremist violence, but also of non-violent conflict transformation, the defence of
human rights, integrity in government, and reconciliation and stability in divided societies (Appleby,
1996). In cross-country studies, economists have revisited Weber’s hypothesis. Barro and McCleary
(2003) assess the effect of religious participation and beliefs on a country’s rate of economic progress.
Using international survey data for 59 countries drawn from the World Values Survey and the
International Social Sciences Program conducted between 1981 and 1999, these authors found that
greater diversity of religion is associated with higher church attendance and stronger religious beliefs.
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For a given level of church attendance, increases in some religious beliefs – notably belief in heaven,
hell and an afterlife – tends to increase economic growth. This is evident in the activities of churches
in Nigeria where they assist some of their devoted members not only influencing their view of success
and the need to acquire wealth but also help to secure job for them; thereby helping to improve their
living standard and the country at large.

Other studies have focused more on particular religions in varied historical time periods. For example,
very useful insights have been gained by focusing on Islam and on Judaism. For Islam, there have
been detailed investigations into financial systems in the Middle East including zakat (alms for charity)
and the manner in which Islamic banks have been using a financing method equivalent to the rate of
interest to overcome adverse selection and information problems. This is also practical in Nigeria. The
routine giving of arms to the needy during Christmas celebration or Ramadan is a way religion help
to reduce poverty by encouraging ‘the haves to give to have not’ in order to be given by God. The
introduction of Islamic Banking by Central Bank of Nigeria no doubt, will improve the economic
power of the borrowers. A bank that shares profit and loss with the borrower will invariably reduce
the risk of doing business than the conventional banks that ‘wins’ in any business they enter with their
clients. This will make fund available for those that have idea of a profitable business to create wealth,
employment and also add value to the economy by paying taxes to the government. Religion could
also foster development through encouragement of members to acquire formal education. If formal
education is significant to high standard of living, then religion may explain why there are many poor
people in northern Nigeria than other regions especially South-West and South-Eastern Nigeria. This
is because the practice of women in Purdah in Northern Nigeria could account for the low enrolment
of women in former education institution. [5]

8.0 Impact of Religious Conflict on National Development

Religious Conflict is all those conflicts that have religious undertone or that which one or both parties
define as religious, or employs religious slogans and symbols to execute the conflict. In a religious
conflict, the identity groups in the conflict organize and pursue their interests and needs under religious
groups and organizations. Sympathies, loyalties and followership are religiously determined. Where
the conflict is violent as it is always in a country like Nigeria, people are usually killed and properties
worth millions are destroyed; making people even poorer.

Nigeria is usually characterized as a deeply divided state in which major political issues are vigorously
– some would say violently – contested along the lines of the complex ethnic, religious, and regional
divisions in the country.
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However, Christian and Muslim identities have been the mainstay of religious differentiation and
conflict, with Nigerian Muslims much more likely to articulate a religious identity than Christians.
Underneath the broad Christian-Muslim categories are several sub-cleavages that have at one time or
the other been politically salient or have the potential to be, and have generated intra-group conflicts.
Among Christians, there are several denominations, including: the Protestants (Anglican, Baptist,
Methodist, and Lutheran), the Catholics, the Evangelical Church of West Africa, the Seventh Day
Adventists, the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and a host of ‘home-grown’, ‘white garment’ (Aladura and
Celestial) and Pentecostal churches. Muslims on the other hand belong to different sects, including the
Ahmadiyya, Sanusiyya, Tijanniyya and Quadriyya, among which there have been conflicts. There are
also some umbrella organizations, which aim at the propagation of Islam. One of these is the Jamaatu
Nasril Islam (JNI), which was founded by the Sardauna of Sokoto in 1961. Following the Iranian
Islamic revolution of the 1970s, there was a surge of radical and fundamentalist activities especially
among Muslim youths. This was the context within which some fundamentalist Muslim sects, notably
the Maitatsine, Izala movement, the Muslim Brothers or Shiites, and most recently the Talibans, Boko
Haram, emerged to demand, amongst others: pursuit of Islam based on Sharia law; the eradication of
heretical innovations; and, the establishment of an Islamic state or theocracy.

The resent emergence of the new terror group (Boko Haram) in Northern Nigeria has affected
negatively the political, economic, social and environmental situation of the region and in extension
Nigerian economy. The continuous killing and destruction of lives and properties in Northern Nigeria
in the name of Islam has a negative effect on the economy of Northern States and Nigeria at large.
Economic activities have almost been grounded by series of terrorist attacks in Borno and Yobe State,
living people stranded, jobless and some refuges in their homeland. Many businessmen, companies
both local and foreign have left some of these ‘worst hit’ States depriving government millions of tax
revenue that would have been collected if economic activities are booming. The government is only
left with diversion of money meant for development of the country and improvement of living standard
of people to heavy spending on security. This is a clear negative influence of religion on development
of Nigerian economy. [6]

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9.0 CONCLUSION
From the foregoing, the effects of religion in society cannot be overemphasized. People get mental
peace from religion. 2. Religion explains the causes and remedies of individual sufferings and as such
it console people in their junctures. 3. The important function that religion performs is that it inculcates
social virtues in people like truth, honesty, love, discipline etc. 4. Religion works as an instrument in
converting animal qualities to human quality. 5. Religious education teaches people for promoting
social welfare. 6. Religious rites and festivals are means of recreations. 7. Religion creates values
amongst people and as such it is the source of social cohesion. 8. Religion is an important instrument
for promotion social solidarity. 9. Religious institutions help in controlling the behaviour of the
individual. 10. Religion works as an instrument of influencing political system. 11. In economic field
religion works as an instrument of influence. 12. Religion works as an effective means in strengthening
self-confidence of people. However, religious intolerance could lead to severe conflicts and loss of
lives and properties if not contained.

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15.0 REFERENCES
1. Taves, Ann (2009). Religious Experience Reconsidered: A Building-Block Approach to the
Study of Religion and other Special Things. Princeton University Pres.
2. Nelson, Robert (2010). New Holy Wars. Penn State University Press
3. Palgrave Communications | (2019) 5:59 | https://doi.org/10.1057/S41599-019-0272-3 |
www.nature.com/Palcomms
4. Dr Deborah Cornah (2006) - Metal Health Foundation. “The impact of spirituality upon
mental health.”
5. Sushmit N. Religion and Economic Growth and Development.
http://ssrn.com/abstract=1029285, 2006
6. Smyth, M. and Robinson, G. Researching Violently Divided Societies: Ethical and
Methodological Issues. Tokyo: United Nations University Press, 2001.
7. Eghosa E. O. and Rotimi T. S. A History of Identities, Violence, and Stability in Nigeria.
Crise Working Paper No. 6, Queen Elizabeth House, University of Oxford.2005