Human society is an extremely complex structure. To ensure its functioning, and indeed existence is also not easy. Paradoxically, many factors, even within society, are aimed at its disintegration. The basis of the existence of various human communities is social institutions, which are a kind of support, supporting unity.
Religion as a social institution is one of the most important among these pillars. This meaning is due to the fact that religion is closely connected with the spiritual experiences of people who ultimately appeal to the most, perhaps, the most profound concepts of life and death.
There are a number of characteristic features that religion as a social institution meets and religion as a way of understanding the world. Among them are the following, which are the main ones:
- the existence of a certain group of people united by faith;
- the presence of objects recognized as saints, and a system of sacred symbols;
- compliance with a set of formulated norms that define a particular worldview and behavior;
- performing complex rituals or similar actions.
In fact, religion does not exist in society in a “pure” form. It takes one form or another of organization — the church. Within the framework of a particular church, refinement and concretization of each of the above signs are carried out depending on a number of factors. The formation of the church can be influenced by a certain time period, the current political situation, and the cultural level achieved by believers. For example, the emergence of Christianity 20 centuries ago, as well as its subsequent split into many independent churches, was caused by these factors.
Existing in society, being, on the one hand, the result of its functioning, and on the other hand, support and support, the church performs various social functions. The religions of the world do not exist for their own sake, but for the sake of believers. Many theological scholars, cultural and religious figures cite the ability of faith to unite people and consolidate society as the most important function. This approach is based on the fact that during joint participation in rituals people experience similar feelings, imbued with the spirit of unity, and in everyday life they are guided by identical norms of behavior.
Of course, this is not the only function that religion performs as a social institution. It is very important how it regulates the life of society. Defining a number of norms, the church tries to prevent immoral acts among people, protects the stability of the existing situation, if it is acceptable, and otherwise it comes up with active criticism, helps to determine ways out of the crisis and to avoid victims.
Unfortunately, along with all the positive aspects, one of the significant negative factors in the modern world is the church. As a social institution, it unites people, but this association is not global and universal. Yes, each particular religion can be united within itself, but fierce battles can take place between different churches. This feature is called the dysfunction of religion, that is, actions directed against society.
Summing up a certain result, it is worth noting that religion as a social institution at this stage of development is, perhaps, a necessary factor of unity. Even though it can be harmful, there are many more positive effects. The development of human relations and the growth of tolerance will make it possible to unite people of even different faiths, since each of them, in fact, is based on very similar moral principles.