Vous êtes sur la page 1sur 4

Cintia Lanton

R. Masters
12/04/2014
History 134

Improving society through religion and morals and tradition

Lanton 1
As a historian of the ancient worlds, I could learn to understand religious beliefs, traditions, and
morals. Doing so I could apply them to my daily life, as well as others around me so that we could
contribute to a better society. I have learned a lot about religion during these past semesters. There are
so many faiths and religions. Some people are Muslims. Jehovahs witnesses, Hinduism, Buddhists,
Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and the adverse of them all-atheists.
I'd like to expand on atheism because I believe it is just as important as any other belief. Now I
know that atheism is not a religion for they believe in nothing and worship no one, but contrary to
popular belief atheism isnt what most people think is when you someone tells you they believe there is
no God or higher being. I've met several atheists in the past years and they are just like you and I; no
better or worse than anyone else. There's this stigma that if you don't believe in anything you must be
dark, demonic, unkind, and have no chance of getting into heaven.
For one, they don't believe in a heaven; they only believe in the present and that this is all we
get so we should take this time to have a great life and be kind to others. With that being said, the
commonality that I've gathered from all faiths/religions is that they are quite the same. Religions help
us to maintain a positive path in life towards common goals- either a paradise where we'll live forever
or reincarnation. Religions are also a go to for ethics and morals, right from wrong, and optimism when
life is hard. They're telling us to maintain a positive life against all odds no matter how hard they are
and we will reap the benefits one day.
There cannot be just one idea and one set guideline for the entire worlds religion, for our
ancestors have all come from many different walks of life, have had different experiences, led different
lifestyles and speak different languages. The irony of this all is that although we are so different we are
all the same in a way. We will all die one day; but the anticipation of what is there for us afterward is
not the same. Yet we still walk the same paths and try to pass the word of any given religion on to
others. I am never upset with others beliefs when they differ from mine. I like to hear how

Lanton2
someone else views things and its okay to disagree because that is their personal choice, as long as our
goals in life are the same as far as bettering the human race and society goes.
Take the polytheistic Greek religion for example; they had traditions such as sacrifices, origin
myths, and festival. They looked to the Gods for signs for what was to come next everyday in life.
Although their belief that the Gods were immortal was criticized by philosophers, intellects, and artists
by the 5th century-this was their way of life and how they coped with everyday life. In the monotheistic
religion of Zoroastrianism the beliefs are encompassed around keeping order, rewards, punishment,
grief and happiness. As a Zoroaster you are responsible for your own joy and grief based on how you
live your life.
Good will come to those with righteous deeds and not so good things to those who oppose
positive things. Spreading the knowledge to others helps change their point of view and clear up
misconceptions. No matter what your faith is you can still be a good person and make the best of life
because we don't know what comes after our demise. You will never hear a sane person telling you to
be evil, kick a man while he's down, take and never give back. No, we want to do the complete
opposite.
Not only does this make us feel better because we walk away knowing we did the right thing,
the people we touch will be affected and pass it along as well. Have you ever noticed that if you're
working with someone who has a bad attitude, it can either bring your attitude down? This could put
you on the defense, or you could try and cheer that person up. The latter is usually the best option for
everyone. During the plague in the Byzantine empire, there are accounts of people helping one another
and staying by their loved ones sides to take care of them even though death was likely if the disease
was contracted.
Learning that the main goal through all religions was to simply be a good person, help others
and acknowledge right from wrong helps in everyday life and is passed down from person to person. I

Lanton 3
have been on the receiving end of many good deeds these past several months and knowing that
discourages me from making bad choices. You need not be wealthy to help people or to inspire; as long
as you are genuine all is well. I'm doing volunteer work and I could use a hand myself. But I dont do
good things with the intention of hoping one day the favor will be returned; when it happens it happens,
even the little things count.
I can help better society by passing positivity along and helping others, especially during this
time of year, because anything helps to a person who has nothing. I can contribute to improving society
by sharing all things positive and trying to get through to people who are closed minded and vile; we
need to cease hate more than anything. Start a domino affect of all things good. Do for others that you
would want someone to do for you. Help those who cannot help themselves.
You will get through to them and they will get through to someone else. That is and has been
for quite some time- my responsibility.

Vous aimerez peut-être aussi