RELIGION AND HAPPINESS

Religion and Happiness

Religion and Happiness

Introduction

The notion of happiness has a multifaceted history. Some researchers have rejected the attractiveness of happiness, while many other have attempted to differentiate happiness 'as commonly understood' from, 'true' happiness and world religions have often prized happiness (as in Aristotle's total well-being, or eudaimonia) while degrading some lesser option called (simple) 'pleasure'. The correlation between religious beliefs and happiness has long been the subject of sociological study. The body of research examining the impact of religion on society has conclusively shown that religious practice can be connected with numerous benefits such as improved marriages, better family relations, an interest in education, and well-connected communities. Religion, particularly Christianity, has positively affected American families. It was the influence of Christianity that led to the abolition of slavery. Over the course of the nation's history, furthermore, Christianity helped to bring about a general reduction in drug abuse, political corruption, and immorality. Although USA still faces difficulties, Christians who remain rooted in their faith offer stability and guidance. This paper discusses the relation between Religion and Happiness.

Discussion

A personal or formal institutionalized system of beliefs that pertain to the existence of and obligations to a deity. Religion, as a system of cross-cultural communication, has always been connected to commerce. The connections between the two realms have existed throughout history at changing levels of intensity and with varying dynamics. These links have intrigued both policy makers and those who are active in the realms of religious and academic research. The relationships challenge the scholar with theoretical and practical questions. One very important question is “there is any relation of religion and happiness or not?”.

Human derives happiness from the works he does in the society therefore this question can be answered by addressing the areas of human workings, some are as follows;

Religion As A Construction Of Social Reality

Religious Values, Business Values, And The Rise Of Capitalism

Religions And Political-Economic Institutions

Individual Religiosity And Trade In The Modern Period

These problems also relate to the variance between religious and cultural traditions. Since Max Weber's study on Protestantism appeared, and even before, the issue of the correlation between Protestantism and capitalism in content has been debated. This study sparked a series of inquiries on the economic and political differences between Catholic and Protestant countries and between Christian and non-Christian societies. According to this commentary, the “spirit” of Protestantism was conducive to capitalism. Other religious traditions and the historical activity of religious organizations have raised other questions about the relationship between economic institutions and religious ones.1

Religion As A Construction Of Social Reality

The influence of religion on economic and social life originates, in part, from the role religion plays as a means of cultural communication and as a construction mechanism of social reality. Religion constructs the consciousness and the worldview of the members of a society. In other words, it defines the worldview and the values, which affect social conduct. Therefore, religion is central to our understanding of the differences between societies in matters of trade and ...