Religion: Between Benevolence and Evil

Preliminary Note:

The religion referred to in the article is by no means the pure, true religion in itself! Rather, it is religion in the philosophical and scientific sense, which some people may believe to be either true or false.

Religion is a broad and complex concept, and its definitions have varied throughout history and across different cultures and religions.

In general, religion can be defined as:

• A system of beliefs and practices: Religion includes a set of beliefs about the existence of a higher power or sacred beings, rules for human behavior, and rituals of worship.
• A spiritual experience: Religion can be considered a deep personal experience that connects an individual with a higher power or a reality beyond the material world.
• A social group: Religion often forms a social group united by shared values, beliefs, and traditions.

Religion can also be viewed from several dimensions:

• The doctrinal dimension, which includes the fundamental beliefs about God, the universe, the afterlife, salvation, and others.
• The ethical dimension, where it defines the values and moral standards that believers should follow.
• The ritual dimension, which encompasses the worship and religious rituals that bring believers closer to God or sacred realms.
• The social dimension, where religion forms a social network that provides support and a sense of belonging to believers.

Religion plays an important role in the lives of individuals and communities, and its main functions include:

• Providing meaning and purpose: By offering answers to the fundamental questions about life, death, and existence.
• Guiding behavior: By establishing rules for human conduct and defining what is right or wrong.
• Providing social support: Through a sense of belonging and identity, and supporting individuals in facing life’s challenges.
• Maintaining social cohesion: By strengthening the bonds between members of society.

It is known that there are thousands of religions, sects, and beliefs in the world, each with its own peculiarities and history. Despite this diversity, there are some common principles among most religions, such as belief in a higher power, ethics, and worship.

It is worth noting in the definition of religion:

• The definition of religion is relative: there is no single comprehensive definition that applies to all religions and beliefs.
• Religion is a complex phenomenon: its nature is influenced by cultural, social, and historical factors.
• Religion is a subject of study: many sciences are concerned with studying religion, such as sociology, psychology, and anthropology.
• In discussing these sciences, philosophy of religion emerges as a branch of philosophy concerned with the critical and logical study of religious phenomena: rather than accepting religious beliefs as they are, philosophy of religion seeks to examine and analyze using philosophical tools, such as logic and evidence, to evaluate their rationality and coherence. The goals of philosophy of religion include:
  • Examining religious beliefs: Are these beliefs consistent with each other? Are there logical contradictions?
  • Evaluating religious evidence: Such as evidence supporting the existence of God, immortality, or miracles.
  • Studying the nature of God, if God exists: What are His attributes? Is He a person? Is He omnipresent?
  • Analyzing religious ethical values: Questions about whether ethics are derived from religion or if there are absolute ethical values.
  • Understanding the impact of religion on society: Through its influence on individuals and communities, and its relationship with politics and science.

Some of the fundamental questions in the philosophy of religion are:

• Does God exist? This is the most important and controversial question in the philosophy of religion.
• What is the nature of God? Is God a person or an abstract force? Is He the creator of the universe or part of it?
• What is the nature of the soul? Is the soul immortal? What is its relationship to the body?
• What is the meaning of life? Is there a purpose to life? Does religion provide an answer to this question?
• What is the role of evil in the world? If God exists and is wholly good, how do we explain the presence of evil in the world?

Religions differ in their beliefs, rituals, and histories, but they can be classified in various ways. Some of the main classifications are:

• Abrahamic Religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are considered Abrahamic religions, as they share a belief in the prophet Abraham.
• Eastern Religions: These include Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Zoroastrianism, which are known for their diverse beliefs and rituals.
• Natural Religions: These are connected to nature and natural forces, including many traditional religions of indigenous peoples.
• New Religions: These are religions that emerged in the modern era and differ in beliefs and practices from traditional religions.

Other classifications of religions include:

• Monotheistic Religions: Belief in a single, all-powerful God who created the universe.
• Polytheistic Religions: Belief in multiple gods.
• Atheistic Religions: Denial of the existence of any gods.
• Organized Religions: Religions with established institutions and organizational structures.
• Folk Religions: Informal religions practiced by specific groups of people.

These classifications are not absolute; a single religion may belong to more than one classification. The vast diversity of religions makes it challenging to create a comprehensive and accurate classification for all religions. Additionally, religions continuously evolve and develop over time.

Social and International Benefits:

• Social Cohesion: Religion fosters social cohesion among individuals, creating a sense of belonging and shared identity.
• Moral Values: It provides ethical guidelines that influence behavior and contribute to building more just and peaceful communities.
• Mutual Support: Religion encourages solidarity and mutual aid among individuals, helping those in need.
• Cultural Heritage: It helps preserve cultural heritage and community traditions.
• Civil Peace and Tolerance: Religion can promote civil peace and tolerance among different religions and cultures.

Individual Benefits:

• Meaning of Life: Religion offers answers to existential questions, providing life with meaning and purpose.
• Hope and Optimism: It instills hope and optimism in believers, especially when facing difficulties and challenges.
• Mental Comfort: Religion can reduce anxiety and stress, offering a sense of reassurance and inner peace.
• Spiritual Growth: It supports personal spiritual development and the pursuit of self-knowledge.
• Positive Change: It motivates individuals and communities to pursue positive change.

Political Benefits:

• Crime Reduction: Religion can help lower crime rates by promoting ethical values and respect for the law.
• Political Stability: It can contribute to national unity and tolerance, enhancing political stability.
• It is important to note that these benefits are relative and may vary from person to person and from one community to another.

Critical Perspective on the Negatives of Religion:

Religion, like any intellectual or social system, has both positive and negative aspects. While some positives have been previously mentioned, it’s also important to highlight the negative aspects that may be associated with religion in certain cases.

It is important to note that these negatives do not represent all religions or all believers but are aspects that may appear in some cases or through the misapplication of religious beliefs.

Negatives of Religion:

• Extremism and Violence: In some cases, religious texts are misinterpreted to justify violence and extremism, leading to conflicts and wars between religions and groups.
• Intolerance and Hatred: Some religious groups may display intolerance and hatred towards others with differing beliefs.
• Bias and Discrimination: Certain religious beliefs may be used to justify discrimination against women, minorities, majorities, or other social groups.
• Restriction of Freedoms: Religion can impose restrictions on individual freedoms, such as freedom of expression, thought, belief, and non-belief.
• Justification of Injustice: Religion may be used to justify injustice and tyranny, undermining human rights.
• Blind Fanaticism: Extreme adherence to religious beliefs can lead to the rejection of truth and scientific progress.
• Social Divisions and Conflicts: Religion can contribute to social divisions and conflicts within communities.
• Interference in Personal Affairs: Religion may intervene in personal matters, such as marriage and social relationships.

Causes of These Negatives:

• Misinterpretation of Religious Texts: Religious texts may be interpreted literally or outside their historical and cultural context.
• Exploitation of Religion for Political Purposes: Some individuals may use religion for personal political gains.
• Misguided or Extremist Religious Education: Incorrect or extremist religious education can instill radical ideas in people’s minds.
• Difficult Social and Economic Conditions: Such conditions can lead to increased extremism and violence in the name of religion.

It is crucial to understand that these negatives do not represent all religions or all believers. They are phenomena that may occur in certain situations. Proper religion promotes peace, love, tolerance, and respects human rights and fundamental freedoms. Dialogue and understanding between different religions and cultures are the only ways to achieve peace and harmonious coexistence.

Religion is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, carrying significant potential for both good and evil. It is important to approach religion with awareness and critique and to distinguish between true religion and extremism.

Religion as Evil:

The question of how religion can be considered evil is complex and contentious. Religion, as previously mentioned, is a complex phenomenon with both positive and negative aspects. To label religion as “evil” in an absolute sense is an overgeneralization and does not reflect the varied effects of religion on individuals and communities.

It is not accurate to say that religion itself is evil. Instead, it is some misapplications of religious beliefs or the exploitation of religion for political purposes that can lead to negative outcomes.

However, the manifestation of evil in religion often occurs when it becomes a tool for those in power to serve their interests. The relationship between religion and power is historically long and complex, summarized in the following points:

• Religion as a Source of Legitimacy: Throughout history, religious authorities have used religion to justify their actions and consolidate their power. Religions contain values and principles that can be interpreted to support any political system, even corrupt ones.
• Power as Interpreter of Religion: Conversely, political authorities have used religion to justify their ideologies and suppress dissent. By controlling the interpretation of religious texts, those in power can distort the image of religion and make it a tool for their purposes.
• Exploitation of Religion for Personal Gain: Many individuals have used religion to achieve personal or political gains. By manipulating the emotions of believers, some religious leaders can gather loyal followers to further their own objectives.

How Religion Can Become Evil in the Hands of Corrupt Power:

• Justifying Oppression and Injustice: Corrupt power can use religion to justify its oppressive and unjust actions, claiming these actions are for the benefit of religion and society.
• Undermining Freedoms: Religion can be used to impose a single interpretation of religious texts, preventing any form of dissent or criticism.
• Turning Religion into Nationalist Ideology: Corrupt power can transform religion into a tool for dividing society and fueling wars and conflicts.
• Justifying Discrimination: Religion may be used to justify discrimination against minorities, women, and other marginalized groups.

It is evident that the danger of religion as a source of evil, driving humanity and nations towards destruction, underscores the need to address this evil by:

1. Critical Thinking: Believers should learn to think critically and not accept any interpretation of religious texts without questioning.
2. Encouraging Dialogue: Promote discussion and understanding of religious issues while respecting differing opinions.
3. Separating Religion from State: Ensure religious freedom and protect individual beliefs by separating religion from state affairs.
4. Promoting Tolerance and Mutual Respect: Foster values of tolerance and respect among different religions and cultures.

Conclusion:

Religion itself is not evil; it is a source of goodness, love, and tolerance. However, when exploited by corrupt power, it can become a tool for evil and oppression. Therefore, believers must be vigilant and protect their faith while rejecting any attempt to use religion for political purposes.

We recommend, in the Religious Office of the Syrian Future Movement:

• Religious Education: Build religious education on tolerance and mutual respect, focusing on shared human values.
• Promote Dialogue: Encourage dialogue and understanding between different religions and cultures.
• Combat Extremism and Violence: Address extremism and violence in all forms, whether religious or non-religious.
• Protect Human Rights: Safeguard human rights and fundamental freedoms for everyone.

It is crucial to approach religion with awareness and critique, distinguishing between true religion and imagined constructs, to eliminate the evil from the purest idea known to humanity: religion.

Religious Office Team
Research and Studies Department
Religious Articles
Syrian Future Movement (SFM)