宗教信仰是否式微？

In most countries of the world, the effects of religions are well known. Many customs have been inherited in accordance with religious traditions, such as Ghost festivals in Asia and Christmas decorations in the Christian world. There is no doubt that huge impacts on social orders are based on religious doctrines. This is because people believe in a higher power and obey the rules written on religious scriptures. It is vital to understand that religions sometimes are more influential than laws and orders while regularizing the public’s behaviors. However, there is a tendency that religious affiliation has been declining, especially in the United States. It seems that some people turn to look for spirituality, rather than attach to one single religion.

With development of science and medicine, some people argue that God does not exist. It is superstitious to comply with religious traditions. The higher power is not beneficial to society. Science is the only solution for improving human beings’ lives. In addition to technology, it has been advanced in every aspect of life. Another major argument is that religious groups tend to be another form of huge corporations. Lots of scandals have been released on the news, including sexual abuse, corruptions, and pursuit of profits from the collection of followers’ donations. Not to mentions that some wars resulted from religious conflicts and caused mass injuries and deaths. Furthermore, due to political power control, religious freedom is restricted in China. According to the rules of Chinese Communist Party (CCP), every aspect of religious life, from the formation of groups and daily activities involving worship and prayer, all of which need to be approved by the government authorities. It prioritized the CCP’s ideology and way of life before any religious faiths. Loyalty to the CCP is considered as the one and only belief for Chinese people. These are the reasons why some people do not believe in religion.

Yet, all the religions tell us to be a good person in spite of diverse roots with different stories. Human beings are so tiny in terms of the whole universe. Scientific results are not unshakable facts which might be challenged by the latest research. For example, in the old days, people believed that the earth was flat, but it was proved wrong. There are so much unknown and indecipherable in the universe. Physicists discovered that only 4% visible substance could be proved. This means 96% could not be verified by science. Human beings cannot become a higher authority in the name of ever-changing science and technology. People need to acknowledge living in harmony with nature and to be humble. Thanks to commitment to a higher power, having faith plays an important role in stabilizing the hearts and minds, not only of an individual, but also of society. In addition, customs and traditions are connections to family bonding and to social life. Many people agree that religious groups are the most neutral institutions to be involved with charity across the borders.

In conclusion, I believe that to learn how to differentiate from superstitions and religious philosophies is a critical lesson in the modern society. So many scholars and religious representatives had worked and passed on the wisdom of Gods. Ethical values have been endorsed in any form of scriptures, paintings, sculptures, and any symbolic architectures. Religions have become part of culture and history around the world since the ancient times. There is always the danger of denying or vanishing the past significant assets. The meaning of being alive should not be pursuit of fortune only.