Vinod+Raman+RP+Post+5


 * Note: I have changed my topic

While the significant presence of religion in the creation of contemporary society is acknowledged by all,the virtuousness of such influence has often come under questioning. __Advocates for religious practice, argue__ that the acknowledgement of a higher being creates a sense of community that that comforts those with differing opinions. __Many further insist__ that the practice of ritual and pageantry bring stability, and help us, as humans, cope with shock, trauma, uncertainty. Advocates extend their argument to even death, to which they believe religion offers help to justify the loss of a loved. In turn, congregation offer emotional and practical support. Apart from physiological influences of religion, studies have shown that religious attendance has led to increase in life expectancy by seven years, as a stronger immune system and lower blood pressure are developed. The health benefits continue to include a lower chance for depression, alcohol, and drug use, as well as child drug abuse. This pairs it self with the fact that religious participation by kids has increased the graduation rate. This, the advocates believe, contributes to an economic impact, that is to the benefit of the whole society. Yet many advocates go further to state that that ability for religion to answer questions such as "why am I here, and how am I to live", lowers anxiety and promotes hope and peace. But this view sharply contrasts with those who question the benefits of religious practice.

To atheists, religion is believed to be "slow poison,killing your soul." They condemn the belief that religion provides relief and instead reminds us that it serves only to fill one with fear; the fear of life. These men substantiate their claim by connecting the religion to their concept of sin: one must follow the dogma of religion to avoid sin. And it is this constant worry that one is always sinful sparks fear. Many antagonist also deem that religion turn people against yourself and against others. __They emphasize__ that war is the result of the inability to tolerate the ideologies of different religions and __claim that__ religion has been "a force for control, repression and authoritarianism. Furthermore, many atheists refute believe that religion sparks ignorance, a fear to seek true knowledge. And this is just the start of it.