What is religion? Why was it needed to begin with? Do we still need it? I am sure some of these questions must have crossed your mind as well.

We are often encouraged to believe that our religion is the best out there. Is it? To answer these questions, we need to delve into the origins of religions. While recorded history provides data, some unearthed archives suggest the presence of religion in earlier civilizations as well.

Originally, religion provided explanations for phenomena that were initially beyond human understanding. It offered narratives and myths to make sense of the world, natural events, and the mysteries of existence. Life is inevitably filled with challenges and suffering. Religion can offer solace and hope in times of difficulty, providing individuals with coping mechanisms and a sense of purpose even in the face of hardship. Faith can also inspire resilience and encourage individuals to persevere through tough times.

Religions build communities. People gather to worship or practice the religion. These practices require people to gather at a specific place. Religious communities foster a sense of shared identity and belonging, uniting individuals through rituals, traditions, and a common belief system. This cohesion could have been crucial for early societies in promoting cooperation, reducing conflict, and maintaining social order.

Religion offers ethical codes and principles that guide human behavior. These codes address issues like justice, fairness, compassion, and respect for others, helping individuals navigate complex social situations and make choices that benefit the community as a whole.

Religion helps cope with existential questions, such as the purpose of life, the nature of good and evil, and the meaning of existence, providing individuals with a framework to navigate these profound questions.

Religion can provide a sense of comfort and security, especially in the face of uncertainty, suffering, and the fear of death. The belief in a higher power or an afterlife can offer solace and meaning to individuals.

Religions often play a crucial role in fostering social cohesion and community. Shared beliefs, rituals, and moral codes create a sense of belonging and cooperation among members of a religious community.

Religion contributes to cultural identity, shaping traditions, rituals, art, and literature, influencing the way a community defines itself and expresses its values.

It can be argued that religion fulfills psychological needs, including the need for purpose, identity, and a sense of control over one’s life. Religious practices, such as prayer and meditation, may have positive effects on mental well-being.

Religions historically played a role in maintaining social order and controlling behavior. Moral codes and the threat of divine punishment can act as deterrents to antisocial behavior.

States have used religion and its leadership to promote their agenda. In some religions, leaders become more powerful than political leaders in society.

As religion becomes prominent, it needs management structure, and process, and has to be run like a business to pay bills and growth. The structure brings hierarchy, power, and power struggles. Most religions start with an ideology and develop a following. Over time, due to its inherent nature, growth brings structure, and also corruption. Religious leaders are human, with the human nature of greed and ego. To gain and stay in power, some religious leaders stray from their religious ideology, leading to factions, splits, and a drop in followers.

When there is a large following of religion, it attracts politicians seeking support for their political careers. In return, leaders provide support to the respective religious institutions. Directly or indirectly, states support major religions in their respective countries. To flourish, all religions need state support. This happens globally. In some poor countries, Western religions have sent missionaries for humanitarian service, but over time, many have engaged in building political and business bases for their donors.

Politics is intertwined with business and money. So is religion. Religion and business may have different products, but they all work for self-interest.

With an understanding of religion at a high level and how it operates, we can discuss its relevance in the 21st century. Existential questions, community needs, the sense of belonging, and ethical and moral needs still exist.
Some gaps have been filled by the state and private businesses, but organized religion still exists in society, albeit not as strong as a century ago. The key reasons for this shift include social, financial, and technological advancements, granting the general public access to more decentralized and diverse information.

As for the interconnection of politics, business, and religion, it remains present. However, the landscape has evolved, and the dynamics are shaped by contemporary challenges and opportunities. The relationship between these three realms is complex and subject to change as society progresses.

What do you see/think, is religion still intertwined with politics, and business and exists for their benefit, or is it out there serving common folks?