Religion is a cultural system of beliefs, practices and ethics that binds people to each other and to the world. It is the primary source of meaning and value in human life. It motivates human sacrifice, heroic deeds and morally virtuous living. It also gives rise to the idea of a higher order, a purpose in life and a transcendent goal that humans must strive for. It provides a basis for the social structure of civilization, and it provides the foundation for democracy, freedom of speech and religion, due process, the three branches of government and adherence to the rule of law.
Religions vary greatly and can be classified in many ways, but they all share some common features. They are generally organized hierarchies with a central authority or god, worship of certain objects or images, beliefs about the universe, moral and ethical teachings and rules of conduct. They are often based on ancient stories that can be found in various cultures throughout the world and are transmitted from one generation to the next.
Many people think that if something is not part of their religion it does not belong in the category of “religion”. These beliefs reflect an assumption that the term religion should be used to refer to a single and unified entity that includes all aspects of human religiosity. This view is wrong. It is an example of what philosophers call a “monothetic” definition of religion and reflects a classical understanding of how concepts work. Such a definition assumes that every instance of an object is accurately described by the same set of properties that make it part of a category and that all such instances fit into a prototype model.
A better way to understand the diversity of religious practice is to adopt a functional approach. This is the method that Emile Durkheim employed in his study of religion. Durkheim defined religion as whatever system of practices unite a group of people into a moral community (whether or not that system involves belief in any unusual realities).
Studies show that practicing religion can have positive effects on the health and well-being of individuals, families, communities and societies. It increases education, economic success and self-control. It reduces out-of-wedlock births, criminal activity, drug and alcohol abuse, and stress and depression. It promotes empathy and social support, and it diminishes prejudices and resentments. It is important that the President appoint and the Senate confirm judges who are sensitive to religion’s role in public life and will respect its rights as a private institution.
We should not allow a growing secularism to marginalize religion in the workplace, at schools, and in our daily lives. It is a valuable asset to society and deserves our protection. The Senate should ask all nominees for federal court positions about their views of this issue and how they would treat the religious freedoms of American citizens if appointed to a court. I encourage senators to support the creation of an Office of Religious Affairs in the Department of Justice to explore the impact of religion on our society and to protect this right.
