Is religion a good or a bad thing?

Religion can serve as a source of comfort and strength when people are under stress. At other times, this connection may be less helpful—or even harmful—if it creates stress or acts as a barrier to treatment. Studies suggest that religion has both the potential to help and harm mental health and well-being.

What are the advantages of being religious?

Religion gives people something to believe in, provides a sense of structure and typically offers a group of people to connect with over similar beliefs. These facets can have a large positive impact on mental health—research suggests that religiosity reduces suicide rates, alcoholism and drug use.

Is religion a social problem?

In short, religion is a social force to be reckoned with; it intersects with all other major social institutions and encapsulates the good as well as the bad of social life. Religion is inherently political, and scholars have long examined the involvement of religious organizations in civic and political action.

How religion does affect your life?

Depending on where you live, religion may also make you feel better about yourself by making you feel part of your larger culture. People who are religious have higher self-esteem and better psychological adjustment than people who aren’t, according to a January 2012 study.

How does religion affect inequality?

A strong correlation exists between inequality and religion, such that societies marked by high inequality are more religious than those with more egalitarian income distributions. As a result, powerful religious movements constrain state-led efforts to provide social protection, increasing income inequality.

How religion has affected society?

Religious worship also leads to a reduction in the incidence of domestic abuse, crime, substance abuse, and addiction. In addition, religious practice can increase physical and mental health, longevity, and education attainment.