Religion May Serve to Maintain an Existing Social Order

question 18

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. However, starting in the 1960s, many priests working in Latin America adopted a more critical perspective of the social order and their job of challenging a system of social inequality. This movement was known as Liberation Theology. Discuss the role that religion plays in the social order and how it can be used as an agent of change.

---

Definitions:

Perceive

The process of becoming aware or understanding something through the senses.

Perceptual Tendency

The inclination to perceive or interpret information in a certain way, often based on past experiences, biases, or heuristics.

Central Trait

A fundamental characteristic that shapes an individual's personality and is perceived as an integral part of their identity.

Personal Identity

Represents an individual's unique qualities, beliefs, and personality traits that distinguish them from others.