Conclusion

In all ages, people have looked towards religion for both individual happiness and moral order. The reason is that religion deals with the ultimate goal or purpose of life. To follow religion is to live a meaningful life and this is a source of happiness. In situations of stress religion heals. Religion changes the perspective on worldly matters in which happiness is not contingent on success; often by lowering the aspirations religion provides a cushion against failures and deviance. Religion also provides a moral framework in which man links with society. To follow religion is to conform to duties and to serve society. In this way religion can contribute to building of a moral society. At the same time, in modern society religion may lead to disintegration, discontent and conflicts. This happens when the religious communities give more importance to religious history rather than religious law. Religion also has a tendency to become dogmatic and maintain status-quo in society. What religion does to society depends on the other aspects of society – polity, economy, education, culture etc. To look towards religion, therefore, is also to look for reforms in religion, a new religion, or religious togetherness. All these solutions have been tried from time to time. The question before you is: what should be your approach to religion in the present conditions in your society? Think. There are no simple answers.