Religion plays an important role in the society. It is the system of beliefs which provide the moral guideline to individuals with in a society. It is the practice of sacred things and participation of believers in the rituals. Moral values of individuals within a society are derived from the religion. Sociology do not discuss the reliability or validity of religion. Sociologists are not interested in the questions like, does God exist? Which religion is true? Why one religion is different from another? Sociologist are interested in the role of religion which it plays in a society as an institution. Sociologist are interested in the impacts of religion on social structure and individuals. Or how other social factors affect the religion.
Religion is universal because it answers which cannot be answered through personal experience which is beyond the grasp of human being to answer. It answers the questions like what is the meaning of life. Why are we born in this world? What is our purpose of being? How this world is created? Who created this world? How sun rise in the morning and sets down in the night? What will happen after death? So these are some question which are beyond the intellect of human beings to answer. However, religion answer these question through the scriptures. People believe that religious scriptures are written by God. And it provides all the answers of the questions which cannot be answered by a normal human being.
Individuals within a given society cannot cope with natural disasters and event which are beyond their control. Like death of a child or parent or sibling. Moreover, natural disaster like, floods, tornados, hurricane, plague and drought. Religion provide a way to cope with such disasters and calamities. There are prayers and ritual mentioned in the religious scripture to cope with such problems. Those ritual and prayers are used by the individuals to remedy such problem.
Religion keep people calm in the times of crises. It bind the together through rituals and prayers and keep them organized. Religion is an important factor in creating social solidarity amongst individual within a given society. Solidarity is important for every nation and state for their survival. Solidarity helps to fight against the foreign aggression. Our social values are derived from our beliefs. Which teach us the difference between right and wrong, moral and immoral, good and bad. On the basis of these values social norms are established. Which guides an individual behavior with in a society. Moreover, due to all above mentioned traits and purposes of religion we can conclude that, religion controls the behavior of an individual within a society. Individuals avoid deviant behaviors and act within a boundary of social norms. Therefore, Religion plays an important role in the sustenance and maintenance of society. It maintain social order and peace in a society.
