Their Own Religion example essay topic
Recently, a Southern Baptist campaign to pray for the conversion of Jews during Judaisms high holy days has set off a furor that threatens further fray already tattered relations between U.S. Jewish groups and Baptists, one of the largest Protestant denominations (Shelter, 60). In this case, religion proves to exclude a group that strongly identifies itself as another religion. The Baptists, although they argue that they obligated to pray for those who do not know Jesus as the Lord, are making a move to exclude those who are Jewish. Instead of the act being one that includes an individual or a group, as praying for someone tends to be, it becomes an act of contradiction and pity.
The Jews do not gain a sense of appreciation for the Baptists actions; instead, they feel, according to Jewish leader, Richard D. Heide man, [their actions are] not merely insensitive but hostile. The Baptists the gain two things by their movement. First, they create a divide between the two religions making those who do not follow their beliefs feel detached. Second, they create a sense of collectiveness making their own religion stronger.
Religion, as it seems, is an extension of a majority of mankind's need to solidify within a normal group. However, religion is not only the need to feel part of something. Religion serves as more outlets. It is the tool to control morals through fear or understanding, to insure hope and continuity, to record history and folklore, among other things.
Unfortunately, religion, as it emerges into a world entrenched in capitalistic values, is morphing into a competitive and profit driven part of our cultures, much the way corporations work. With that includes a free market condition between other religions, causing a more worldly rivalry between beliefs. The world, inadvertently, becomes the playground of exclusive organizations and its outsiders.