Religion in the Society

Religion in the Society Introduction Religion plays an important role in the society. More so, the role of religion in shaping the political, economic, and social principles of a religious society is profound (Putnam and Campbell 2). Through the influence of religion in shaping societal principles, the church has had a crucial role to play in the development of different American communities.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Religion in the Society specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This paper focuses on the African-American community and examines the importance of the church to its sustenance. Later, this paper explores the future of religion in America as an indication of what to expect from the growing importance of religion in the American society. Importance of the church to African-Americans The church as an institution has played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of African-Americans. Its importance spans through its political and soc ial significance. For example, historically, African–Americans have depended on the church to support them on social and political issues when most institutions could not. One such example is the fight to abolish slavery. Few institutions spoke about the practice but the church firmly stood for the emancipation of the African-American community from slavery. The church’s stand marked the start of political activism for the â€Å"black† church because African–American ministers often warned against divine punishment for people who supported slavery. African-American Christians were therefore encouraged to question the justification of slavery in the society because it opposed the fundamental principles of Christianity (such as, â€Å"equality† in the eyes of God). Besides the role of the church in advocating for the abolishment of slavery, the church equally played a pivotal role in the reconstruction of the African-American community. The role of t he Church in this regard is especially profound because historically, poverty, chaos, and uncertainties have characterized the African-American community. The church helped the African-American community to overcome these challenges by developing skills and talents for the overall improvement of the community. Initiatives started by African-American missionaries supported this work. Consequently, African-American missionaries built schools and other educational institutions to help the African-American community get the required skills needed for personal growth (Johnstone 332). These initiatives led to the emergence of independent African-American institutions of higher learning.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Challenges of slavery and poor social and economic growth among the African-American community did not capture (fully) the extent of the social, economic, and political issues facing the African-American community. Indeed, as Johnstone (333) says, the African-American community struggled with other pressing social, political, and economic issues, such as, racial violence, racial inequality, and social injustice. The church played a pivotal role in opposing such vices. Mainly, the church played a crucial role in fighting for the rights and freedoms of the African-American community through the civil rights movement. The role of the church in the African community has therefore been monumental and this is why the church has a significant influence in the lives of many African-Americans today. Future of Religion in America Religion still plays a crucial role in the composition of America’s social, economic, and political welfare. However, evolving trends and issues in the American society show that America’s religious life may change significantly (Brown 1). Based on the trends and the history of religion in America, it is safe to foresee a growing religious diversity in America. Brown (1) projects that this religious diversity may manifest (fully) in the next five decades, to symbolize a period where religious diversity affects corporations, communities, and culture. This religious diversity continues the trend of a growing acceptance for diverse religious views witnessed in the American society since 1965 when Lyndon Johnson enacted the immigration act. In other words, from the diversity of the American society, different religious groups are bound to sprout and become part of mainstream American society. In fact, some religious groups, which most Americans considered part of â€Å"world religions† (like Buddhism, Islam, and Sikhs) now form part of America’s religious fabric. Therefore, in the future, religion in America will be more diverse, to reflect the growing diversity of the American society. Conclusion After weighing the findings of this paper, I am convinced that the church has pl ayed a critical role in the development of the African-American community. Its role in uplifting the welfare of African-Americans trace to the slavery period where the church found a political footing in advocating for the rights of African-Americans. Now, the church plays a crucial role in uplifting the social and economic standards of the African-American community.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Religion in the Society specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Furthermore, the church continues to tackle several issues facing the African-American community, such as, racial discrimination and social injustice. These insights inform my opinion of the strong importance of the church in improving the social, political, and economic welfare of the African-American community. This paper also demonstrates that the future of religion in America mirrors the growing diversity of the American society. In this regard, this paper fore sees an expanded religious dynamism in the American society (to reflect the growing tolerance of religious views in America). This diversity will influence corporations, governments, and communities in the future. Brown, David 2001, Future Trends in American Religion. Web. https://www.futurist.com/articles-archive/future-trends-in-american-religion/. Johnstone, Ronald. Religion in Society, A Sociology of Religion (eighth edition), London: Pearson, Prentice-Hall, 2007. Print. Putnam, Robert, and D. Campbell. American Grace, How Religion Divides and Unites Us, New York: Simon Schuster, 2010. Print.