Disrespecting religion seems to be a favorite pastime for not a few people. That behavior often leaves me thinking: “If they only knew…”
Religion is indispensable to flourishing societies, providing a moral framework, a sense of meaning, and guides how people live and relate to one another. Even those who might not want to participate in a religion would be wise to recognize its contribution and at the very least, allow it to inspire service, charity and inculcate the qualities that sustain communities and nations. In today’s article, Rebecca Heiner “brings the receipts” on religion.
Religion matters,
Wendy Wixom, President
United Families International
Does Religion Matter?
How Faith and Religion Create Healthy Societies
By Rebecca Heiner
Apple TV recently caused an uproar when a popular television series, entitled Your Friends and Neighbors, featured a scene blatantly mocking Christianity. The episode in question shows a couple breaking into a church, stealing the sacred eucharist host (consecrated bread) from the tabernacle, and eating it as a “snack.” To make matters worse, the male character breaks out a jar of jam and they laugh as they dip the wafers in the jam and joke about how they are eating “the body of Christ.” People, especially within the religious community, were understandably offended and spoke out against the scene, calling it blasphemous and disrespectful. Many took to social media and other platforms to express their concerns.
When it comes to Hollywood and the media, mocking religious beliefs and practices is far too commonplace. In the realm of entertainment, we have been conditioned to accept that no topic is off limits, and nothing is sacred when done in the name of art or comedy. If it’s “just a joke,” it’s acceptable, even when it is demeaning, disrespectful, cruel, or blasphemous. In short, this conditioning has caused us to become desensitized to disrespect.
Contrary to what “cancel culture” preaches, it is possible to disagree and still show respect. But due to cultural shifts and changing values, we live in a polarized climate where, ironically, tolerance is both demanded and denied. There are countless examples of this throughout the media. Here are just a few:
- In the most recent Olympic games, Paris featured an opening ceremony where “drag queens and dancers lined a long table in an image that sparked controversy” when viewers began to compare the visual to Leonardo da Vinci’s portrayal of “The Last Supper,” a portrait of Jesus Christ and his 12 apostles. Paris denied the claim and many praised the moment, calling it “inclusive” of the LGBTQ community, while in the same breath condemning religious groups for assuming and taking offense.
- Hulu releases a new series called “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” It claims to depict the reality of day-to-day living of Latter Day Saint couples. Members of the religion claim there is nothing real about it, but it is nevertheless sent out to the masses, all under the guise of reality TV.
- The music industry is no stranger to religious controversy. For example, in 2023 Demi Lovato released a new album featuring an album cover of herself laying on a crucifix shaped bed while wearing bondage type clothing.
- Despite many Christian religious beliefs that gender is God given and an essential part of identity, Hollywood recently cast a woman to play the role of Jesus in an LA production of the musical “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
Callous disregard for the sacredness of religion isn’t just a problem in entertainment. It can be found abundantly throughout our society, woven into the fabric of beliefs and opinions currently popular and “trending.” However, underneath the mockery and disrespect, there is something else at the root of this issue: resentment.
For non-believers, organized religion is unnecessary and even harmful. They perceive it’s all about judgement and hypocrisy, unrealistic expectations, and toxic perfectionism. Because higher morals and standards often accompany religion, it contradicts societies current motto of acceptance and love, which is focused on meeting the criteria of a certain narrative. We are encouraged to judge happiness on a scale of personal choice and preference rather than a moral scale of right and wrong. If religious beliefs contradict popular opinion, it’s deemed Christian nationalism, and viewed as problematic.
Why Religion Matters
In this regard, we have to question whether or not we, and the leaders of our countries, truly understand the effects of organized religion on society. The reality is, there are countless positive advantages to society when religion is present. Organized Religion adds to culture and supports fundamental principles that help sustain healthy communities.
In an article published in May of 2024, author William Duncan explains how religion is much more than faith and worship. He said “For many people, terms like religion or faith conjure up images of ceremonial worship, but for believers, religious faith is likely to be understood not only as a vital aspect of personal identity but also of social responsibility.” The people become the principles taught, and their members, who often subscribe to values such as service, charity, and generosity, greatly contribute socially to their neighbors and communities. For example:
- They actively provide emergency relief and support during times of need (such as Covid, natural disasters, etc.)
- They contribute generously towards social services that assist the homeless, the elderly, the abused, refugees, vulnerable children, and families in need.
- They promote health and healthy living.
- They sacrifice and volunteer, working to improve social conditions.
The Harvard School of Public Health also released a publication on Religious Communities and Human Flourishing. They discovered that “Participation in religious services is associated with numerous aspects of human flourishing, including happiness and life satisfaction, mental and physical health, meaning and purpose, character and virtue, and close social relationships.” Here are some of their findings:
- Attending religious services at least weekly is associated with a 25% to 35% reduced mortality over 10 to 15 years.
- Religious service attendance is associated with numerous health behaviors over time including less frequent smoking initiation, greater smoking cessation, less alcohol abuse, and less illegal drug use.
- Religious service attendance is associated with better mental health, including approximately 20% to 30% lower rates in the incidence of depression.
- Religious service participation is associated with better social relationships, an increased likelihood of subsequently making new friends, of marrying, of having nonreligious community involvement, and of higher social support
- There is also evidence that religious service attendance is associated with lower rates of crime.
*It’s important to note this research reflects the benefits of organized religion attendance and participation rather than self-proclaimed spirituality or private religious practice.
Politically, governments and leaders of countries, who claim to be in constant pursuit of solutions to the long list of problems we face in our societies, sometimes overlook just how beneficial a focus on religion could be when searching for solutions to issues.
The United Nation’s official website offers an overview of what is considered some of the nation’s most pressing global issues. The list includes:
- Challenges associated with aging and the elderly.
- Aids
- Child and Youth Safety Online
- Crisis and Emergency Response
- Drugs
- Peace
- Population
- Children’s education, health, safety
While this is not a complete list, it’s interesting to note that the principles taught within religious organizations are often the antidotes to many of our greatest problems. Ironically, sometimes the same people who denounce and devalue religion, also call for activism and solutions to the very problems religion may help.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, there are many reasons for the abundant problems we face as a country and a nation. But it would be irresponsible to not acknowledge how the moral decay infecting our societies has contributed. When we devalue religion, and believe it is problematic, we are truly missing the mark. Religion is not the problem. In fact, it may indeed be the very answer to many of society’s toughest issues. So the best thing we can do is continue to educate ourselves and others about how truly beneficial religion is, and use our voices to defend faith and encourage respect.
Resources
Here are some great resources to help encourage continued conversation:
https://www.unitedfamilies.org/family/religions-profound-influence-on-families-and-society/
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NmZtQp_FCne_YxG6ujk2p1Kj5kg3RwCc/view
https://sutherlandinstitute.org/why-religion-is-good-for-society/
Rebecca is a graduate of BYU-Idaho, earning a Bachelor of Science in Marriage and Family Studies. She enjoys freelance writing, especially about topics surrounding families. She and her husband live in Riverton, Utah, and for the past 25 years have been raising and loving their three daughters. She enjoys reading, writing, and relaxing in the backyard on warm summer nights. Rebecca is passionate about the importance of families in society, and hopes to continue advocating for strong and healthy family relationships.