by Tiare Siguenza

Created on: November 09, 2008

Religion has been present throughout the ages in every culture, from the most primitive to the most advanced. It has evolved through history, going from mainly polytheistic beliefs - such were used by the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Romans, etc...- to monotheistic beliefs - Christianity, Islam, Judaism, etc... The changes made in the creation of new religions are somewhat affected by the previous or the closest geographically situated; which could lead to the thought that religion is purely man-made, which it for a fact, is. As in an influential historical figure had his or her own religious beliefs and those beliefs spread do to their popularity. Such is demonstrated with Jesus, as he was first counted as to be popular with the people which made him become a potential threat to the eyes of the Romans and Jewish Elite of the time.

When in times of trouble and self-reflection, most will turn to religion to seek guidance. The truth being that religion simply is the personification of hope into one or many different gods. Most are not to keen on the idea of self-reflecting, alone. It always seems easier to be told what one is supposed to do and not what are the wide range of possibilities and options leading to an inevitable situation where that one is forced mentally, and perhaps physically, to choose. By using religion, its principles about life, one may not feel as lonesome and as unaware. It may help also when confronted with question of judgement, once again returning to that same idea of choice.

As to why people think everything is related to religion, that is very much due to modern society. In a world where taboos have been suppressed, and in which not a thing is considered sacred, religion may seem to be the only escape from a dark and dreary life. It may seem easier to blame it all on religion, as in the use of the Koran as a motivating factor in Bin Laden's campaign against the United States. This was only possible because religion may be interpreted in many different ways. Point being that the reason why people turn to religion is the same as to why people relate everything to it. Many seek change, especially when modern society and civilizations accentuate the fact that, the main goal in life is to be happy; and all have different interpretations on happiness and the defined and detailed meaning of it, some may not even know what may render them happy. The constant search of self-satisfaction in discovering happiness leading to an emphasis on hope, and therefore, on religion.

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