Religion May Serve to Maintain an Existing Social Order, a Standard

question 63

Essay

Religion may serve to maintain an existing social order, a standard argument being, "while you might suffer in this life, you will be rewarded in the next one." This logic prevailed throughout much of the early history of the Catholic Church in the New World. How does religion work to maintain the existing social order today? Describe the roles and functions of religion in our society today using evidence from the text, along with your own experiences.

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Definitions:

Superior Intelligence

Exceptionally high cognitive ability, often measured as significantly above average in standardized intelligence tests.

Cortex

The outer layer of the brain, involved in many complex brain functions including memory, attention, perceptual awareness, thought, language, and consciousness.

Prefrontal Cortex

The front part of the frontal lobes of the brain, involved in complex behaviors such as planning, decision making, impulse control, and moderating social behavior.

Regulating Emotions

The process of recognizing, monitoring, and adjusting one's emotional reactions in different situations to achieve a balanced mental state.