Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Regional Office IX, Zamboanga Peninsula

11 Zest for Progress

Z Peal of artnership

Introduction to World Religions and

Belief Systems
Third Quarter – Module 3:
Positive and Negative Effects of Religion

Name of Learner: ___________________________

Grade & Section: ___________________________
0
Name of School: ___________________________
 Development Team of the Module

Writer/s : Analie I. Cabanlit

: Willena A. Dalan
Editor : Melanie S. Simpin
Evaluator/s : Dorisa S. Cunting
: Precious Ann A. Breva
Management Team: Majarani M. Jacinto, EdD, CESO VI
OIC, Schools Division Superintendent

Visminda Q. Valde, EdD

OIC, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

Raymond M. Salvador, EdD, CESE

OIC, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

Juliet A. Magallanes, EdD

CID Chief

Florencio R. Caballero, DTE

EPS - LRMDS

Alma L. Carbonilla, EdD

EPS – Araling Panlipunan
 Target

Hello dear learners! We hope that you are doing fine. This module was
designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master the
understanding of effects of religions. The scope of this module permits it to be
used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the
diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the
standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can
be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.

The module contains:

Lesson 3 – Demonstrate the Effects of Religion: Positive and Negative

Review
Instructions: Choose the letter of the best answer among the given choices.
Write your answer in a separate sheet of paper.

1. It is the belief of a supernatural being and power associated with

practices and rituals.
A. Culture
B. Morality
C. Religion
D. Tribe

2. Which analogy best describe Religion?

A. Sailing boat
B. Turbulent river
C. Double-edged sword
D. Mineral water

3. What does religion best provide?

A. Dignity
B. Moral Values
C. Pride
D. Property

4. Which is a religious leader?

A. Chief executive
B. Conductor
C. Foreman
D. Priest

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5. Which is a function of a religious leader?
A. Collect offerings
B. Impose sanctions
C. Forgive sins
D. Mediate between the deities and the people

6. Which is the best reason for the development of religion?

A. Human’s emotion
B. Human intellect
C. Human needs
D. Human pleasure

7. Which is an example of a religious ritual?

A. Attending masses
B. Gift Giving
C. Past and abstinence
D. Singing birthday songs

8. Which is an example of positive effect of religion?

A. Discrimination
B. Obstruct the use of reason
C. Provide moral values
D. Triggers conflict and fight

9. Which can best urge a person to enter into a certain religious belief?
A. Dignity
B. Happiness
C. Fear of death
D. Wealth

10. The primary reason of a person’s interest about religion.

A. Fame
B. Power
C. Property
D. Salvation

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 Lesson 1
POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE
EFFECTS OF RELIGION

The lines taken from John Lennon's song entitled "Imagine”, encourage
the listener to think of a world where nationalities and religions do not exist,
for history has shown us that so many wars have been fought in the name of
nationality and religion. The song suggests that instead of being caught up in
the barriers and divisiveness brought by nationality or religion, we should
consider the possibility of living in a world at peace.
Religion has become a very important aspect in the development of
civilizations and cultures. In fact, most ancient societies based their
worldviews on religion, and it has been proven to be beneficial to the
attainment and maintenance of social stability and cohesiveness. However, as
time went by, religion has also become the basis of conflicts between societies,
even within societies. While religion has promoted solidarity among societies,
it has also been the reason behind the outbreak of particular wars in history.
In this lesson, we will discuss the positive and negative effects of religion, as
well as examples of historical events caused primarily by religion.
Dating back to the emergence of ancient societies, religion has already
played an important role in the lives of our ancestors. In Mesopotamia, for
example, the Sumerians organized their settlement into temple communities,
wherein the temple was found at the center of their communities and the
veneration of their gods and goddesses govern their daily lives. They believed
that the lands which they tilled were owned by the deities that is why they
offered part of their harvest to their priest, who was also their leader and who
was seen as people's intermediary to higher beings. In the absence of an
organized religion, their concept of morality was based on the belief that right
actions earn the approval of the gods and goddesses and Wrong actions may
cause punishment. Hence, the importance of ritual practices to appease the
supernatural beings whom they considered as having control over their lives.

3
 Discover

CONCEPT MAP
RELIGION

POSITIVE NEGATIVE
EFFECTS EFFECTS

Promotes Social
Harmony Affirms Social Hierarchy

Provides Moral Values Causes Discrimination

Provide Social Change Triggers Conflicts and

Fights

Serves as an Economic
Explains the Unknown Tool for Controlling the
Masses

Gives Positive Goal in Impedes Scientific

Life Success and
Development

Gives People a Sense of Gives People a Sense of

Belonging Belonging

Figure 1 Concept Map - Negative and 4

Positive Effects of Religion
POSITIVE EFFECTS OF RELIGION
There is no doubt that religion has an important role in society. In fact,
it has become so closely intertwined with other institutions such as political
and economic systems that religious beliefs sometimes became the basis of
political legitimacy. This is the very reason why the principle of separation of
state and religion was established in many countries.
However, religion has served purposes beneficial to society in general.
In one way or another, it inspires values that cultivate peace, compassion and
kindness. Religion upholds traditions of shaping human's spirituality and
embracing the goodness in each individual.

Religion Promotes Social Harmony

Religion believes in supernatural beings and powers. It practices a set
of rituals and ceremonious rites of passage and rites of intensification. It also
regards religious leaders such as priests, priestesses and shamans in high
esteem. These characteristics help advance social harmony by assimilating
and stabilizing cultures and nations. Religion provides divine authority to
ethical and moral principles which also help promote unity among people.
Common participation in rituals together with basic uniformity of beliefs help
promote social cohesiveness.

Religion Provides Moral Values

In ancient societies, notions of right and wrong were not yet as clear-
cut as the morality imposed by organized religions. People then acted
according to what they thought would please or displease the gods and
goddesses. During those times, rituals were very important because it is
through these that they invoke the pleasure or wrath of the deities. For
example, before planting, farmers would perform a kind of ritual, led by their
spiritual leaders, to ask for blessings from the deities so that their harvest
would be bountiful. When calamity destroyed their crops, they would interpret
it as a sign that they must have done something which displeased the deities,
and would again perform a ritual to appease them. When they had a
productive harvest, they would again perform a ritual to extend their gratitude
to the deities whom they believed to be responsible for their good fortune.

Religion Provides Social Change

Since religion is a source of moral values, religion provides social
change. It can be very effective in lobbying and campaigning for certain social
issues using its own moral teachings as the basis of argument. For example,
the Church in the US has been active in the campaign for civil liberties as well
as the antislavery movement. In the Philippines, much credit has been given
to the Catholic Church for the success of the People Power Revolution in 1986
when Archbishop Jaime (Cardinal Sin urged the people to join the protest rally

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to oust the dictator, former president Ferdinand Marcos. Another example
would be Gandhi's satyagraha, or passive resistance, which paved the way for
India's independence from the British in the 20th century. This concept
employed by Gandhi in the early 20th century became instrumental in the
Indian struggle against the British and became a model for other protest
actions in other countries. In general, religion has the potential to institute
social change, especially in the issues concerning poverty, reproductive
health, gender equality, and religious discrimination.

Religion Reduces Fear of the Unknown

Religion was developed from man's need to have a sense of origin and
destination; to discover where they came from and where they are bound to
go to when they die. Hence, following the duties and obligations of the caste
where a Hindu belongs became the basis for what will supposedly happen to
their soul in the afterlife. Among the Christians, obeying the Ten
Commandments and being good to others will earn a reward of eternal life in
heaven; doing the opposite will lead to eternal damnation in hell. Among the
Muslims, there are certain circumstances which will guarantee them a place
in heaven, like dying in jihad (a struggle against unbelievers) or performing
the haji (Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca).

In general, religion has provided people with answers to the unknown

such as the origin of life and the concept of afterlife. Explanations provided by
religions have reduced fears and anxieties among individuals and some
religions have even made death a better alternative to living in uncertainty.

Religion Gives Positive Goals in Life

People were inspired by the stories of different prophets from their own
religious affiliations, like that of Moses, Siddharta Gautama, and Muhammad.
These people showed how ordinary people like them were given important
missions in life, and how they struggled to carry out their respective missions.

Religion Gives People a Sense of Belonging

A good example of religion giving people a sense of belonging is the Sikh
principle of Seva, also known as Sewa, from the word Karseva which means"
selfless service." Sikhs are expected to perform work or service without
expecting anything in return. They are encouraged by their Guru (Guru
Granth Saib) to perform selfless service with the belief that by so doing, they
are not only promoting good community relations but also paving the way for
the moral uplifting of a person, thus strengthening his or her sense of
belonging to the community. They are taught to reach out to serve and uplift
all of humanity to show their devotion to their god.

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NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF RELIGION
Religion has often been named as the culprit behind divisiveness and
conflicts among people. There is also a belief that religion can be dangerous
to society when used to advance the interests of a group of people at the
expense of other people especially those with different religious beliefs. Some
of the negative effects of religion which we will discuss in this lesson are:
affirmation of social hierarchy; reason why people fight each other; promotion
of discrimination; obstruction of scientific success and development; and
hindrance to the use of reason.

Activity 1: What do you know?

List down the rituals of your church and give its meaning.
Write your answer on separate answer sheet.

Religion Affirms Social Hierarchy

Some religions affirm social hierarchy often favoring men and as a
result, perpetuate the notions of class or gender discrimination and
oppression.

Another example of religion reflecting the hierarchy of political

structures would be the Confucian emphasis on the relations between the
ruler and the subject, with the former exercising authority over the latter. The
traditional caste system in India would also reflect how religion reflects
political and social structures since it propagated the idea that people had to
be subdivided into certain social classes with particular social roles and that
the attainment of moksha (union of universal soul and individual soul) would
depend on how they performed their duties based on their designated class.

Religion Causes Discrimination

Religion can also be a source of l discrimination, or the prejudicial
treatment of different categories of people or things, especially on the basis of
race, religion, age, or sex. In Islam, the practice of wearing the hijab (a head
covering worn in public by Muslim women) is considered by many critics as a
form of suppression against Muslim women. Women have to cover their body,
from head to toe, so as not to attract the attention of men perpetuating the
notion that women are temptations that men should avoid.

Religion Triggers Conflicts and Fights

Religion also has some aspects which make it susceptible to be a source
of conflict and war. History witnessed numerous lives sacrificed and lost in
the name of religion. Wars have been fought in the name of religion, and this
phenomenon continues up to the present time. In Palestine, the Jews are in
conflict with the Muslims; in Kashmir, it is the Muslims against Hindus; in

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Sudan, it is the Muslims opposite Christians and animists; in Sri Lanka, it is
the Sinhalese Buddhists against the Tamil Hindus; in Indonesia, it is Muslims
contra Timorese Christians. These are only some of so many wars being fought
in the name of religion, which means that so many resources are being wasted
and millions of lives are being lost.

Religion as an Economic Tool for Exploiting the Masses

According to the German philosopher Karl Marx, religion is the opium
of the masses." This is in relation to his critical approach to religion in which
he proposed that the bourgeoisie keeps the proletariat in control through
religion. According to Marx, it maintains social inequality by propagating a
worldview that justifies oppression. He believed that religion can be effectively
used by the ruling class to maintain a social order that is more favorable to
them. Whether one is Christian, Jewish, or Muslim, religious teachings
justifying one's acceptance of oppression as a normal part of life on earth and
as a means to get an everlasting reward in the afterlife can be seen as a
bourgeois tactic to maintain the status quo where they reap more resources
and power in society. Thus, in Marx's conflict theory, the abolition of religion
is also needed to liberate the masses from their oppressive state.

Impedes Scientific Success and Development

Throughout history, religion has proven to impede scientific
development. For example, it has often been said that the Catholic Church
used to teach that the world is flat and warned people against going to faraway
places if they do not wish to fall off the edge of the earth. Another example
would be the claim that the earth is the center of the solar system, also known
as the Ptolemaic theory. Aristarchus, and later on, Nicolas Copernicus, proved
that the sun is the center of the solar system and all other planets move
around it, hence advancing the heliocentric model.

Religion Obstructs the Use of Reason

Many questions the suitability of religious doctrines to the needs of the
present and future generations. In order to put these dogmas to practice,
religion should, therefore, evolve and learn to adapt to the ever-changing
world. Ancient religious beliefs and practices which have proven to be
inhuman should be replaced with sensible ones. During those days they
regard it as an attempt at exorcism, but at present the procedure is just
unthinkable.

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HISTORICAL EVENTS CAUSED BY RELIGION
In some regions in the World, religion has become very influential in
almost every aspect of human activity from personal routines to diplomatic
relations. Furthermore, in each country there are majority and minority
religious groups and sometimes the power struggle between these two groups
escalate into historical developments which oftentimes shock the world. Here
are some of the historical events that are caused by religion.

Self-Immolation of a Buddhist Monk in Vietnam

Self-immolation, or the killing of oneself as a form of sacrifice, originally
referred to as the act of setting oneself on fire. But now it refers to a much
wider range of suicidal choices such as leaping off a cliff, starvation, or ritual
removing of the guts (also known as seppuku). It is used as a form of political
protest or martyrdom.
Under his dictatorial regime, the minority Catholics enjoyed majority
status and privileges while the majority Buddhists were prohibited from
practicing their religion in public. Prior to this, Buddhist monks were shot
dead after attempting to fly a Buddhist flag on Phat Dan, the birthday of
Gautama Buddha, in South Vietnam. They were allegedly killed by the
dictator's Catholic Army, but Diem put the blame on the Viet-Cong
(Vietnamese communists). This led to civil disobedience and major protests
among the Buddhists. When Thich Quang Duc failed to achieve reforms for
the Buddhist population, he set himself on fire. According to the Buddhists,
after this incident and even after his cremation his heart remained intact,
which they interpreted as a sign of his great compassion. This event served as
an important catalyst in overthrowing Diem's government and the
assassination of Diem and his brother.

Widow Burning Among the Hindus in India

Sati, or the practice of self-immolation of a widow on her husband's
funeral Pyre, is said to have originated 700 years ago in India. It is believed to
have started among the ruling class or rajputs in India, when the rajput
women burnt themselves to death after their men were defeated in battles to
avoid being taken by the conquerors. Later on, it has become a manifestation
of wifely devotion. It has been outlawed by the British rulers in 1829 but rare
cases still continue to occur. In 2006, a Hindu woman was reported to have
committed sati in Tuslipar village in the central state of Madhya Pradesh. The
woman, whose name was Janakrani, was said to have burnt herself to death
on the funeral pyre of her husband Prem Narayan. According to the villagers,
after the cremation, the widow told them she had to attend to some work, but
when they went looking for her they found her dead on the pyre. Reports said
that nobody forced her to commit the act.

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The Inquisition
Inquisition refers to the Roman Catholic Church groups charged with
subduing heresy from around 1184, which includes the Episcopal Inquisition
(1184 1230s) and the Papal Inquisition (1230s). The Inquisition was a
response to large popular movements in Europe considered heretical or
profane to Christianity, particularly Catharism (a Christian dualist movement
which espoused the idea of two gods, one being good and the other evil) and
Waldensiarns (a Protestant Christian movement which advocated that
apostolic poverty is the way to perfection) in southern France and southern
Italy.

Analyze
Directions: Answer the statement below. Write your answer on your
answer sheets.

1) Can you think of other cases of religious conflicts aside from the ones
mentioned?

2) Do you agree that sometimes religious conflicts are being used for
political reasons? Why or why not?

3) In your own opinion, can religious conflicts be avoided? If yes, how?

4) Do you think religious groups should have a say in political affairs?

Why or why not?

Enrichment Activity
Directions: Choose three positive effects and three negative effects of
religion and give specific examples of each based on your
personal experience and knowledge. Cut pictures from
magazines or newspapers which reflect the said effects and
make a collage on a long bond paper.

Criteria Description Points Points Obtained

Organization The concept was
clearly and creatively 10
conveyed
Content The illustration was
appropriate to the 5
theme
Visual presentation The idea was clearly
presented based on 5
the pictures and
words used

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 Activity
Compare and Contrast
Directions: Compare and contrast the positive effect of religions and
its common effect on the center of the overlapping circles. Write
your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

Positive Negative
Common

effects Effects
effects

Remember
 Religion can be described as double-edged sword: it can have both
positive and negative effects on the society. It has played a very
important role in the development of societies by integrating and
stabilizing them; however, it has also created conflicts.
 Some of its positive effects are: it promotes social solidarity; it is a
source of moral values; it nurtures positive goals in life; it gives
people a sense of belonging; and it fosters social change.
 Some of religion’s negative effects include: it affirms social
hierarchy; it triggers conflicts and fights; it promotes
discrimination; it impedes scientific success and development; and
it hinders the use of reason.
 Some of the world’s atrocities and conflicts were caused by religion
such as the self-immolation of a Buddhist monk in Vietnam; the
practice of sati or widow burning in India; the Inquisition of the
Catholic Church; and the Godhra train incident in India.

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 Assessment
Identification

Directions: Choose from the list below. Write the correct answer on
A separate answer sheet of paper.

a. Ptolemic Theory f. Caste System

b. Thich Quang Dong g. Sati
c. Religion h. Self- Immolation
d. Hijab i. Karl Marx
e. Inquisition j. Nicolas Copernicus

____________ 1. It is named as a spirit behind divisiveness and conflicts

among people.

____________ 2. A system in India that would reflect political and social

structures.

____________ 3. A women coverings or dress considered as suppression

against Muslim Women.

____________ 4. A German Philosopher who stated that “Religion is the

opium of the masses”.

____________ 5. A theory that claims that Earth is the center of the

Solar System.

____________ 6. He proved that sun is the center of the solar system.

____________ 7. The killing oneself as form of sacrifice.

____________ 8. A practice of self- immolation of widow on her

husband’s funeral pyre.

____________ 9. It refers to the Roman Catholic Church group charged

with subduing heresy around 1184.

____________ 10. He was able to commit suicide by burning himself on

fire as protest of Buddhist to achieve reforms.
 Answers Key

B 10.
10. D
E 9.
9. C
8. C G 8.
7. C H 7.
6. C J 6.
5. D A 5.
4. D I 4.
3. B D 3.
2. C F 2.
1. C C 1.
Review: Assessment

References:
Cornejo, Nigel L., et al. Fundamentals of World Religions. MaxCor
PublishingHouse, Inc., 2019

Cornelio, Jayeel S. et al. Introduction to World Religions and Belief

Systems. Rex Books Store, 2017

de Lange, Nicolas. An Introduction to Judaism (Cambridge University

Press, 2000

Ong, Jerome A., Jose, Mary Dorothy L., “Introduction to World

Religions and Belief Systems”, page 32 – 44.

Serapio, Maria Perpetua Arcilla. Introduction to World Religions for

Senior High School. Mindshapers Co., Inc. 2016

The book of Religion. Dorling Kindersley Limited, 2013

 Region IX: Zamboanga Peninsula Hymn – Our Eden Land

Here the trees and flowers bloom Gallant men And Ladies fair
Here the breezes gently Blow, Linger with love and care
Here the birds sing Merrily, Golden beams of sunrise and sunset
The liberty forever Stays, Are visions you’ll never forget
Oh! That’s Region IX
Hardworking people Abound,
Here the Badjaos roam the seas
Every valleys and Dale
Here the Samals live in peace
Zamboangueños, Tagalogs, Bicolanos,
Here the Tausogs thrive so free
Cebuanos, Ilocanos, Subanons,
With the Yakans in unity
Boholanos, Ilongos,
All of them are proud and true
Region IX our Eden Land
Region IX
Our..
Eden...
Land...

The Footprints Prayer Trees by Joyce Kilmer

One night I had a dream. I dreamed I think that I shall never see
that I was walking along the beach A poem lovely as a tree.
with the LORD.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
In the beach, there were two (2) sets of Against the earth’s sweet flowing
footprints – one belong to me and the breast;
other to the LORD.
A tree that looks at God all day,
Then, later, after a long walk, I noticed And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
only one set of footprints.
A tree that may in Summer wear
“And I ask the LORD. Why? Why? Why A nest of robins in her hair;
did you leave me when I am sad and
helpless?” Upon whose bosom snow has lain; Who
intimately lives with rain.
And the LORD replied “My son, My son,
I have never left you. There was only Poems are made by fools like me,
one (1) set of footprints in the sand, But only God can make a tree.
because it was then that I CARRIED
YOU!