Reasons for Studying Religion
Apart from Livingstone’s reasons for studying Religion, I think that the study of Religion improves a person’s personal, social, and career life. The religious research enables people to establish their own identity and recognize other people’s religions and cultures, hence improving their personal and social experience. Further, people can develop careers from religious studies and take Religion as a profession. Religion can act as a tool for uniting people worldwide and therefore help fight against racism and discrimination.
I consider understanding the cultures and achievements of multi-religion cohesion as the most compelling reason for studying Religion. Religious studies enable people to understand and appreciate other people’s cultures. Consequently, the study of Religion enhances the creation of social cohesion for people from different cultural and religious backgrounds.
(Schneider, 2011) shows that people undertaking religious studies learn about critical thinking, ethics, sacred stories, and general religious beliefs, among other issues. I feel that these teachings are crucial for personal and societal development. Critical thinking may enhance the making of the right individual and group decisions. Ethics guides people’s relationships and professional activities. Furthermore, understanding religious beliefs enables people to appreciate others with contrasting views, hence promoting social cohesion.
Lastly, Religion, the study of Religion be will be essential for personal and societal development. People would be able to understand the homo religion, overcome ignorance, understand the culture, and enhance the achievement of a global perspective (Livingstone, 1989). People can, therefore, form their philosophies of life and develop their own religious beliefs.
References
Livingston, J. C. (1989). Anatomy of the Sacred: An introduction to Religion. New York: Macmillan.
Schneider, N. (2011). Why the World Needs Religious Studies. Religion Dispatches.