human society - an extremely complex structure.To ensure its operation, and in general being too difficult.Many factors even within the society, paradoxically, aimed at its disintegration.The basis of the existence of various human communities are social institutions, which are a kind of support, maintain unity.
religion as a social institution - one of the most important among these supports.This value is due to the fact that religion is closely linked to the spiritual experiences of people who end up appealing to most, perhaps, the depth of the concepts of life and death.
There are a number of characteristic features, which corresponds to religion as a social institution and religion as a way of understanding the world.Among them are the following, which are the main:
- the existence of a certain group of people united by faith;
- availability of items recognized saints and of sacred symbols;
- compliance with the rules set out together defining a particular outlook and behavior;
- perform a complex ritual, or similar actions.
fact, religion does not exist in a society in its "pure" form.It takes a particular form of organization - the Church.Within the framework of a certain church takes place refinement and specification of each of the above symptoms, depending on several factors.The formation of the church can influence a certain time period, the political situation made believers cultural level.For example, these factors was due to the emergence of Christianity 20 centuries ago, and its subsequent split into many independent churches.
Existing in the community, being on the one hand the result of its operation, and the other - the support and the support of the church carries out various social functions.The religions of the world do not exist for their own sake, but for the believers.Many religious scholars, figures of culture and religion as the most important feature is the ability to unite people of faith, to consolidate the society.This approach is based on the fact that in the course of joint participation in the rituals people have similar feelings, imbued with the spirit of unity, and in daily life they follow identical rules of behavior.
course, is not the only function performed by the religion as a social institution.It is very important as it regulates the life of society.Determining the number of rules, the church is trying to prevent immoral acts among humans, protects the stability of the current situation, if it is acceptable, and otherwise - makes a vocal critic helps identify ways to overcome the crisis and avoid casualties.
Unfortunately, along with all the positive aspects, one of the major negative factors in the world today is precisely the Church.As a social institution, it brings people together, but this association is not global and universal.Yes, each specific religion can be united within themselves, but between the different churches can go fierce battles.This feature is called religion dysfunction, ie action directed against society.
Summing certain result, it is worth noting that religion as a social institution at this stage is probably a necessary factor of unity.Even despite the fact that it can be harmful, the positive effects is much greater.The development of human relations and the growth of tolerance will allow to unite people of different faiths even as the basis of each of them, in fact, are very similar moral principles.
