Can Man Live Without Religion?
Sociologists, psychologists and politicians have for years studied the role of religion in people's lives. The number of atheists and non-practising people has increased and for them, religion is no longer a central part of their lives. But for the large majority religion is still a powerful force. In spite of the progress of science, religion holds its grounds. Communism tried to abolish religion and set up a completely materialistic society. It failed.
So, we can say that religion has become part of human nature and of human life and people in general cannot live without it. Yet, for many, religion does not have the same intensity or passion. A larger number, though, are ready to fight and die for their religion. The events in Northern Ireland in the past 35 years, in Iran, in the Middle East show how people refuse to give up one inch when their religion is in their view threatened. The religious conflicts or the political conflicts involving religion are the most difficult to solve. The passions aroused by religious faith are so strong that they often blind the people. Yet, this is the case and it shows that people cannot live without religion.
All over the world, there is one common attitude to religion. Religious faith has been translated into the most complex, most glorious buildings used as places of worship. The cathedrals and churches in the West built with art, money, love and faith reflect the importance people attach to religious worship. In the East, we find the same ardent devotion expressed in the creation of temples and pagodas. In the Islamic countries, the same art and pride are attached to the building, maintaining and use of mosques. Today, places of worship are among the most famous architectural creations of all ages. Stalin turned churches into factories, but this act is still considered as a barbaric desecration.
Religion has become such an integral part of people's lives that it is difficult to imagine them living...
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