Introduction to World

Religions and Belief

Systems
Quarter 1 – Module 3:
Positive and Negative Effects
of Religion
Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems – Grade 11
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 – Module 3: Positive and Negative Effects of Religion
First Edition, 2020

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Introduction to World
Religions and Belief
Systems
Quarter 1 – Module 3:
Positive and Negative Effects
of Religion
Introductory Message

For the facilitator:

Welcome to the Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems – Grade

11 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Positive and Negative Effects of
Religion.

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by

educators both from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher or
facilitator in helping the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum
while overcoming their personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and
independent learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also
aims to help learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into
consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or
strategies that will help you in guiding the
learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them
to manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and
assist the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

1
For the learner:

Welcome to the Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems – Grade

11 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Positive and Negative Effects of
Religion.

Religion is so influential. It changed the lives of many people. It has also led
many to danger and conflict. Religion, in as much as people are clinging to it, makes
humanity more human. But sometimes, it is also the cause of misunderstandings
and misconceptions. The positive and negative effects of religion are like the
Chinese Yin and Yang; they both form a balance. May this module help you identify
the positive influences of religion, and make the negative ones be a lesson to be
learned.

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You
will be enabled to process the contents of the learning resource while being an active
learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

This will give you an idea of the skills or

What I Need to Know competencies you are expected to learn in the
module.
This part includes an activity that aims to
What I Know check what you already know about the
lesson to take. If you get all the answers
correct (100%), you may decide to skip this
module.
This is a brief drill or review to help you link
What’s In the current lesson with the previous one.
In this portion, the new lesson will be
What’s New introduced to you in various ways such as a
story, a song, a poem, a problem opener, an
activity or a situation.
This section provides a brief discussion of
What is It the lesson. This aims to help you discover
and
understand new concepts and skills.
This comprises activities for independent
What’s More practice to solidify your understanding and
skills of the topic. You may check the
answers to the exercises using the Answer
Key at the end of the module.
2
 This includes questions or blank
What I Have Learned sentence/paragraph to be filled into process
what you learned from the lesson.
This section provides an activity which will
What I Can Do help you transfer your new knowledge or skill
into real life situations or concerns.
This is a task which aims to evaluate your
Assessment level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.
In this portion, another activity will be given
Additional Activities to you to enrich your knowledge or skill of the
lesson learned. This also tends retention of
learned concepts.
This contains answers to all activities in the
Answer Key module.

At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a list of all sources used in developing

this module.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the
module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are
not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning
and gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

3
 What I Need to Know

This module is designed and written to help you demonstrate understanding

of the positive and negative effects of religion.

At the end of this module, the learner is expected to:

Analyze the influences of religion to culture and society.

(HUMSS_WRB12-I/IIIc-3.1)

4
 What I Know

Directions: Which effect of religion is referred to the following sentences? Write the
letter of the correct answer in your notebook.

a. Causes discrimination
b. Promotes social solidarity
c. Affirms hierarchy
d. Sets positive goals in life
e. Obstructs scientific success and development
f. Reduces fear of the unknown.
g. Obstructs the use of reason
h. Gives people a sense of belonging
i. Makes people fight each other
j. Provide moral values

1. Religion integrates and stabilizes cultures as well as nations.

2. Religion should be susceptible to progress.
3. Religion sets notions of right and wrong.
4. Religion promotes obscurantism
5. Religion gives sense of origin and destination
6. Religion is a source of discrimination.
7. Religion gives a sense of purpose in life.
8. Religion makes good people do evil things.
9. Religion provides personal identity to individuals a part of a group
with similar worldviews, beliefs, values, practices and lifestyles.
10. Religion perpetuates notions of class or gender discrimination and
oppression.

This activity is cited and taken from(Ong and Jose 2016)

5
 Lesson

1 Positive Effects of Religion

Religion forms a great part of most civilizations in the world. It became the
foundation of many nations as well as the downfall for some. Looking at the world
today and in the past, you will realize the influences that different religions give to
the places they came from and to other countries as well. Hence, looking at a wider
perspective, you will learn in this lesson the positive effects of religion.

What’s In

The world has been tainted by different issues that influenced and affected
the lives of many people through which religion has been part of. In such a case,
list down 5 world issues where religion is involved.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Source: https://freesvg.org/img/COEXIST-Original.png

6
 Notes to the Teacher
This lesson will give the learners the idea on how they will
understand the positive effects of religion.

What’s New

Listen to the song Teach My Heart by Bukas Palad Music Ministry with the
lyrics below. This song was inspired by the prayer of St. Anselm of Canterbury
in his search to know and understand God.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_iNJfXWwLk

O Lord, my God, teach my heart where and how to seek You.

Teach my heart where and how to find You.

You are my God and my Lord and I've never seen You.
You've made me and remade me and bestowed on me all the good
things I have.

And still I do not know You.

I have not done that for which I was made.

O Lord, my God, teach my heart where and how to seek You.

Teach my heart where and how to find You,
for I cannot see You unless You teach me,
or find You unless You show Yourself to me.

Let me seek You in my desire. Let me desire You in my seeking.

Let me find You by my loving You now.
Let me love You when I find You.

Teach me, Lord. Teach my heart where and how to find You.

7
Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. What do you think is the meaning behind the song?

2. What is the line that you find very interesting? Why?

Rubrics for the Reflection

5 The question was answered very clearly and definitively.
4 The question was answered clearly and definitively
3 The question was treated quite clearly and definitively.
2 The question was poorly answered
1 The question was not answered well.

What is It

Religion made a lot of impact among people, believers, and non-believers alike.
We see people change whenever they witness miracles in their lives because of
their faith and religion. We also see how the world changes because of the
influences that different religions ignite the people with. Hence, in a positive sense,
there are so many things we have now in the brought about by religion.

Religion is such a powerful influence on human beings, both on individuals

and on communities. It has inspired believers to do things, faithfully and
magnanimously. Religion also played an important role in the development of
civilizations in the world. Most of the things that people enjoy today are products of
religion, as it established and paved the way towards making the lives of people
peaceably livable.

8
 As cited by Manaloto and Rapadas (2016), Dr. James L. Griffith identifies three
related purposes that religion serves:

1. Religion helps ensure security.

2. Religion helps build and strengthen the individual sense of self as being
worthy and competent.
3. Religion helps reduce personal suffering, for self or others.

Moreover, religion also instilled values that cultivates peace, compassion, and
kindness among believers, helping them achieve their goals and ideals in life. It also
shaped human spirituality and goodness in each individual, and in forming them to
have the capacity for transcendence which is very important in deepening one’s
relationship with God. Referring from Ong and Jose (2016), below are some of the
positive effects of religion:

 Religion promotes social harmony.

 Religion provides moral values.
 Religion provides social change.
 Religion explains the unknown.
 Religion gives positive goals in life.
 Religion gives people a sense of belongingness.

Hence, there are still a lot of positive things that can be attributed to religion,
though such attributes are uniquely known to people who experienced it. This is
commonly known as religious experience that hones the ground of spirituality
among people. In every person, there is a tiny speck of light that has been shed by
religion that could ignite a change and a sense of the divine that no words could
ever describe. So much so, religion continuously leads the people towards their
search for meaning. Hence, once a person understood the meaning of life, they will
all the more understand that human life is in constant relationship with God.

9
 What’s More

In your own religious experience, describe the positive effects of your religion
or faith in your life. List down 3 experiences and 3 values that religion instilled in
you positively. 1 corresponding point per answer will be given to you. Write your
answers in your notebook.

Positive/ Good Religious Experience

1.
2.
3.

Positive Values

1.
2.
3.

RUBRICS FOR ESSAY

5 The question was answered very clearly and definitively.

4 The question was answered clearly and definitively

3 The question was treated quite clearly and definitively.

2 The question was poorly answered

1 The question was not answered well.

10
 What I Have Learned

There are so many things that religion has given the world positively. Thus,
these things are proofs why religion has always been part of the lives of many
faithful. With this in mind, enumerate at least five (5) positive effects of religion as
discussed in this lesson.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

RUBRICS FOR ESSAY

5 The question was answered very clearly and definitively.

4 The question was answered clearly and definitively

3 The question was treated quite clearly and definitively.

2 The question was poorly answered

1 The question was not answered well.

11
 What I Can Do

Cut or print any picture from any sources that portrays a positive effect of
religion in people’s lives. Paste it in your notebook and explain what is in the picture.

Rubrics 5 4 3 2 1
The picture The picture The picture The picture The picture
Picture is very is good. is quite is not good. is not really
good. good. good.
The The The The The
Explanation explanation explanation explanation explanation explanation
is is very is clear. is quite is vague.
exceptional good. clear

12
 Assessment

Write a one-page reflection paper about the positive effects of religion using
the knowledge you have acquired regarding the lesson. Integrate your own religious
experiences that made positive impact in your life.

RUBRICS FOR REFLECTION

CRITERIA DESCRIPTION POINTS POINTS OBTAINED

Content The content was 10

well-thought of, and
guide questions
were thoroughly
answered.

Organization The paper was well- 5

written with ideas
clearly conveyed.

Analysis Points are 5

thoroughly
developed, and
analysis is
comprehensive.

20

13
 Additional Activities

In your personal view or perception, what positive influence/s have you

experienced about religion? Write your answer in your notebook.

RUBRICS FOR ESSAY

5 The question was answered very clearly and definitively.

4 The question was answered clearly and definitively

3 The question was treated quite clearly and definitively.

2 The question was poorly answered

1 The question was not answered well.

14
Answer Key

10. a

h 9.

i 8.

d 7.

a 6.

f 5.

g 4.

j 3.

e 2.

b 1.

know

What I

15
References

Manaloto, Christian B., and Maria Teresita R. Rapadas. 2016. Pilgrimage to Sacred
Spaces: An Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems. Queszon City:
Phoenix Publishing House Inc.
Ong, Jerome A., and Mary Dorothy dL. Jose. 2016. Introduction to World Religions
and Belief Systems: Textbook. Quezon City: Vibal Group Inc.
Vecsey, George . 1979. "Dalai Lama Says Buddhists Could Learn From Christians'
Activism." The New York Times, September 8: 23.

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%
2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F4%2F48%2FReligions.svg%2F1020
px- Religions.svg.png&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fcommons.wikimedia.org
%2F wiki%2FFile
%3AReligions.svg&tbnid=B2hQpqp7ayuXnM&vet=12ahUKEwiz0
P7018nqAhUFzIsBHZXXABYQMygBegUIARDQAQ..i&docid=S256VBcLh1SgZ
M&w=1020&h=1024&q=religions&hl=en&client=safari&ved=2ahUKEwiz0P7
018nqAhUFzIsBHZXXABYQMygBegUIARDQAQ

https://freesvg.org/img/COEXIST-Original.png

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_iNJfXWwLk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkgkThdzX-8

https://live.staticflickr.com/3556/3611031409_44ce7b0cda_z.jpg

16
 Lesson

2 Negative Effects of Religion

Every person is unique. We differ from perspectives, points of view, as well

as from our beliefs. Because of these differences, conflicts are always present.
Conflicting ideas and beliefs sometimes lead to a more problematic issue and
concern that may give rise even to war and chaos. In the history of mankind, most
conflicts were caused by none other than religion itself. Certainly, there are more
positive things that religion has given the world, but it cannot be also helped that
conflicts aroused also because of religion itself.

What’s In

An excerpt from an article in The New York Times (September 8, 1979):

Dalai Lama Says Buddhists Could Learn From Christians’ Activism

Commonality of Religions Stressed

The contact with the West has added to his lifelong conviction that “one
religion of this world is impossible.” He has made no move to convert Jews or
Christians on this trip because, he says, “In human society, there are many different
tastes, many different foods, much different mental food.”

He added: “Many Christians tell me they believe in Buddhist meditation,

which can be learned by Christians. We teach right attitude. We teach meditation,
which can be quite deep. These would be things that the West can take, and I think
it is clear that Buddhists should practice certain Western methods, too.”

“One can practice a Buddhist behavior, or one can have a Buddhist point of
view, or both,” he said, “but when it’s done from the theoretical view, it is difficult
to also be Christian. It is a different philosophy. You cannot be a Buddhist and also
be a non‐Buddhist, so perhaps you cannot be a Christian and a non‐Christian.”
(Vecsey 1979)

17
 In the context of the article, you can see that amidst the differences between
the Christian and Buddhist religions, there are still a lot of things to learn from
each other. It’s always a matter of perspective and outlook in other’s point of view.

Notes to the Teacher

This lesson will give the learners the idea on how they will
understand the positive effects of religion.

What’s New

Listen to John Lennon’s song entitled “Imagine” and decipher the meaning
behind the lyrics.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkgkThdzX-8

Imagine
by John Lennon

Imagine there’s no heaven

It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people living for today
Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people living life in peace, you

18
 But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people sharing all the world, you
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one

You may say I’m a dreamer

Answer the following questions and write it on your notebook:

1. What do you think is the meaning behind the song?

2. What is the line that you find very interesting? Why?

Rubrics for Reflection

5 The question was answered very clearly and definitively.

4 The question was answered clearly and definitively

3 The question was treated quite clearly and definitively.

2 The question was poorly answered

1 The question was not answered well.

19
 An artwork depicting war and conflict caused by religion

Source: https://live.staticflickr.com/3556/3611031409_44ce7b0cda_z.jpg

What is It

Religion has often been named as the culprit behind conflict and division
among people. Sometimes, it is also used as propaganda to advance in the vested
interests of the few. Moreover, religious fundamentalism often leads to strict
observances of the faith and morals of a particular religion that becomes too much for
their followers. Hence, aside from all these, religion also causes confusion for many
people since religions vary from belief systems and way of life. Thus, when talking
about religion, there are always contrasting ideas and beliefs that causes
misunderstandings, miscommunication, and misconceptions.

Taken and cited from Ong and Jose (2016), the table below enumerates some
negative effects and influences of religion.

20
 Negative Effects of Religion
Affirms social hierarchy
Causes discrimination
Triggers conflicts and fights
An economic tool for exploiting the
masses
Impedes scientific success and
development
Obstructs the use of reason
Examples
Confucian emphasis on the relations
between the ruler and the subject;
Hindu Caste system
Race, religion, age or gender
discriminations
Conflict between Muslims and Jews;
Muslims against Christians; ISIS;
Christians against Christians
According to Karl Marx, “religion is the
opium of the people”; maintains social
inequality by propagating a worldview
that justifies oppression
The Bible’s teachings are contrary to
science; Church’s doctrines in contrast
with the scientific developments such
as reproductive health law,
divorce, and abortion;
Inability to cope up with the demands
of the progressing and developing
world; going against the tide of the
modern times
(Ong and Jose 2016)

Likewise, there are still a lot of things that religion might have influenced the
society negatively. And, in one way or another, these negative things led other people
to disbelief and to doubt the existence of the God. This is why there is a great
responsibility for those people who lead their flock (priests, pastors, imams, monks,
etc.) to show and teach them the real essence of adhering to their faith and morals.
If they fail to do so, it could be the reason for them to fall apart. Thus, one mistake
could lead to the destruction of others.

More so, since religion is the most influential sector of the society, people tend
to believe easily to whatever their religion teaches them. On the other hand,
religious tolerance is simply being pushed away because of the biases and
prejudices that a particular religion has. In such cases, there arise the adversities
and misunderstanding that causes trouble among the people. Thus, this creates
negative impact against religion. That is why it is important for you, as someone
who studies religion, to see the big picture and realize that what matters here is not
being on the top. Respect and tolerance are much needed to have a peaceful and
faithful adherence to one’s faith.

21
 What’s More

What other issues, problems, and conflicts in the society that you know are
caused by religion? Upon watching the news on TV, or reading the newspaper, or
while listening to the radio, and even accessing the internet, what other problems
have you seen or heard? Using the table below, list down at least 1 negative issue or
conflict caused by religion in the present era for each category.

Negative Effects of Religion Examples

1. Affirms social hierarchy

2. Causes discrimination

3. Triggers conflicts and fights

4. An economic tool for exploiting

the masses

5. Impedes scientific success and

development

6. Obstructs the use of reason

22
 What I Have Learned

Religion has positive influences on people’s lives. However, due to the many

circumstances that religion is involved, we need to accept that indeed, people have

different faith and belief systems.

Enumerate the negative effects of religion as discussed in this lesson:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Moreover, in this subject, we should not aspire to make others believe what

we believe. Rather, we must engage in studying other religions and belief systems

to know and understand others better, and realize the things we are similar, and

thus respect our differences.

23
 What I Can Do

What do you think is the best thing to do in order to promote peace rather than
division among religions? Write in your notebook your opinion and suggestions.

RUBRICS FOR ESSAY

5 The question was answered very clearly and definitively.

4 The question was answered clearly and definitively

3 The question was treated quite clearly and definitively.

2 The question was poorly answered

1 The question was not answered well.

24
 Assessment

Analyze and write a 2-page essay on the positive and negative influences of the
religion to culture and society. Be guided by the following questions:

1. How can religion be an instrument of unity and not of division in the society?
2. In what ways can religion help the society obtain socio-economic development
and promote the welfare of all people?
3. What could be the possible antidote to the negative effects of religion in the
society? Make use of the Philippines as an example (i.e. Marawi siege; Abu
Sayaff).

RUBRICS FOR REFLECTION PAPER

CRITERIA DESCRIPTION POINTS POINTS
OBTAINED
Content The activity was able to write and 10
indicate the essential knowledge
of the lesson
Organization The paper was well-written with 5
integration of personal
experiences.
Analysis Analysis was clear and concise 5
based on the data presented.
20

(Ong and Jose 2016)

25
 Additional Activities

In your personal view or perception, or if there is any, what negative

influence/s have you experienced about religion?

RUBRICS FOR ESSAY

5 The question was answered very clearly and definitively.
4 The question was answered clearly and definitively
3 The question was treated quite clearly and definitively.
2 The question was poorly answered
1 The question was not answered well.

Great Job! Thank you for journeying with me in this lesson.

Until we meet again!

26
Answer Key

use of reason
Obstructs the 6.

and development
scientific success
Impedes 5.

masses
for exploiting the
An economic tool 4.

and fights
Triggers conflicts 3.

discrimination
Causes 2.

hierarchy
Affirms social 1.

What I have learned

27
References

Manaloto, Christian B., and Maria Teresita R. Rapadas. 2016. Pilgrimage to Sacred
Spaces: An Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems. Queszon City:
Phoenix Publishing House Inc.
Ong, Jerome A., and Mary Dorothy dL. Jose. 2016. Introduction to World Religions
and Belief Systems: Textbook. Quezon City: Vibal Group Inc.
Vecsey, George . 1979. "Dalai Lama Says Buddhists Could Learn From Christians'
Activism." The New York Times, September 8: 23.

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%
2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F4%2F48%2FReligions.svg%2F1020
px- Religions.svg.png&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fcommons.wikimedia.org
%2F wiki%2FFile
%3AReligions.svg&tbnid=B2hQpqp7ayuXnM&vet=12ahUKEwiz0
P7018nqAhUFzIsBHZXXABYQMygBegUIARDQAQ..i&docid=S256VBcLh1SgZ
M&w=1020&h=1024&q=religions&hl=en&client=safari&ved=2ahUKEwiz0P7
018nqAhUFzIsBHZXXABYQMygBegUIARDQAQ

https://freesvg.org/img/COEXIST-Original.png

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_iNJfXWwLk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkgkThdzX-8

https://live.staticflickr.com/3556/3611031409_44ce7b0cda_z.jpg

28
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Region III,

Schools Division of Bataan - Curriculum Implementation Division Learning
Resources Management and Development Section (LRMDS)

Provincial Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan Telefax:

(047) 237-2102

Email Address: bataan@deped.gov.ph