Effects of Religion

Religion is a controversial subject and one of the most influential components in the lives of people throughout the world. The effects of religion play a major role and have a severe impact on the world's population. Individuals often determine their moral character, daily schedules, and practices due to their chosen religion. The majority of people living in the United States and around the world identify themselves as a member of a religious group or congregation. Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism are world-renowned religions ranked the highest in populous. There are approximately 2.1 billion people world-wide that are Christians, 1.3 billion Islam's, and 828 million Hindu's. (2006, Robinson).

Effects of Religion
The majority of religious congregations hold a standard their members are advised to follow. The basic Christian, Islamic, and Hinduism values consist of modesty, honesty, repentance, forgiveness, justice, and unconditional love. (2004, Cramer). Individuals and groups often reject and belittle others outside their religion. Religious families may disown their children if caught stealing, having pre-marital sex, and consuming alcoholic beverages or drugs. Families also might turn their backs on other members that commit adultery, crimes, or acts of violence. Their religious beliefs influence the people they communicate and interact with. Hate crimes are often committed against homosexuals or sexual predators due to radical religious beliefs. The Westboro Baptist Church members in Topeka, Kansas commit extreme acts of hate and discrimination towards people due to their beliefs. The acts consist of visiting military funerals with signs that state, "God Hates America" or America is Doomed." (2006, Westboro Baptist Church).
The United States military is currently stationed in the middle-east to protect our country against terrorism. President George W. Bush and the U.S. Government declared war against terrorist groups due to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The United States military invaded areas of the middle-east to locate and disarm terrorist leaders and their followers. The terrorist attacks towards the United States were fueled by radical religious beliefs. The leaders in Afghanistan dictate people's lives due to their personal religious beliefs. Men, women, and children are brutally beaten if they do not abide by the laws stated by Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups. Members of the terrorist groups are willing to kill innocent people and die for their cause, due to their religious beliefs. These terrible acts are a prime example of what effects religion has on people.

People & Religion
Today's society is more relaxed towards religion, ethics, morals, and lifestyle. Older religions base their beliefs and lifestyle in regards to traditional values. Men were considered the primary care taker of the family while women stayed at home to tend to the house work and children. Today, many families have both working parents and perhaps a reverse role, where the man stays at home while his wife works. It wasn't acceptable for a man and a woman to live together before marriage, but today couples that are unwed may live together without punishment. Years ago it was unacceptable to become pregnant while not married unless raped, but these days churches and religious people open their arms to single parents raising a child.
Teachings are also different in newer religions than older ones. Churches generally open their doors to anyone that wants to walk in and attend services. In my hometown, churches accept everyone, regardless of their history or present lifestyle. There is no discrimination against gender, racial ethnicity, culture, or sexual orientation. Years ago people were killed because they were homosexual or committed a crime.
Religions have modernized over the years. It's inevitable. I believe they will continue to do so as time passes.

Pluralism
Religious pluralism and the interfaith movement will have a positive impact on future organized religion. Interfaith activities and discussions may help broaden people's awareness of a religion and educate them of their traditions, beliefs, morals, and values. Members of organized religions may not be tolerant of other religious groups and denominations, but becoming aware of their customs and beliefs, an individual may become more accepting.

References
Bush, George W. (2001). Address to a Joint Session of Congress and the American People. The White House. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/09/20010920-8.html
Cramer, Robert N. (2004). Earliest Christian Values. Bible Texts. http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/genuine-christianity.htm
Robinson, B. A. (2006). Religions of the World. Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. http://www.religioustolerance.org/worldrel.htm
Westboro Baptist Church. (2006). http://www.godhatesfags.com/main/index.html