ABSTRACT

THE ROLE OF RELIGION IN SOCIETY: INFLUENCE, EVOLUTION, AND CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES

Journal: Social Values and Society (SVS)
Author: M. Kamraju

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.26480/svs.01.2025.43.50

Religion has played a fundamental role in shaping human civilization, influencing culture, governance, ethics, and social structures for millennia. However, in the modern era, religion faces significant challenges due to secularism, scientific advancements, interfaith conflicts, religious extremism, and digitalization. This paper examines the historical evolution of religion, its role in society and politics, and the contemporary issues that impact religious beliefs and practices. The study highlights the shift from theocratic governance to secularism, the impact of scientific discoveries on traditional religious doctrines, and the increasing importance of interfaith dialogue and religious tolerance in a globalized world. It also explores the rise of religious fundamentalism and extremism, which threatens global security and social harmony. Additionally, the paper discusses the role of digitalization in transforming religious practices, from online worship to AI generated religious teachings. The findings suggest that while religion continues to be a powerful force in many societies, its influence is evolving in response to modern intellectual, social, and technological changes. The future of religion will depend on its ability to adapt to new realities while preserving its ethical and spiritual values. Recommendations for promoting interfaith harmony, combating extremism, embracing scientific advancements, and leveraging digital tools for positive religious engagement are provided to ensure that religion remains a constructive force in the 21st century.

Pages 43-50
Year 2025
Issue 1
Volume 7