ConflictTheorists,FunctionalistsandInteractionist
According to conflict theorists, diversity brings about conflict as the people exhibit varying ideologies. The ideologies may lead to an internal conflict, especially in a religion where a group may feel that their beliefs are not being accepted hence the permissiveness in the society. For Example, Muslim extremists worldwide have been known to show a high level of conflict, demanding the world worship their one true god. Nonetheless, in the long run, conflict may lead to a mutual understanding depending on the extremity of the disagreement and the forces bringing the people together. In the United States, Muslims and Christians conflict have resulted in finding common ground in the law of the country, hence co-existence with one another. On the other hand, Functionalists believe in the concept of religious pluralism as a state where a nation is tolerant of religious freedom. Therefore, diverse religious beliefs lead to harmonious existence, understanding, unity, and cooperation amongst the people. The Functionalists believe that diversity leads to mutual understanding where the people have a commonality. For Example, in the United States, people are governed by the law that demands respect for others’ beliefs; hence, cooperation in the community.
Also, amongst the interactionist, it is believed that they interact and find common ground when people come together. Religious pluralism means that people have different beliefs that require interaction in order to understand their differences and similarity. Hence, when people come together in evaluating such similarities, they are drone close to one another through their interaction leading to cooperation. For Example, in the study of theology, Muslims and Christians realize that they both have Jesus as the teacher of the law. The continuous interaction in trying to establish the conjunction of both religion leads to cooperation and peace amongst the people in the United States.
ScienceandReligion
Scientific people are driven by facts and evidence, lacking in many of the religious concepts based on faith. The scientist tries to analyze many of the myths that are glorious and heavenly, based on people’s imagination and not on the concepts that can be tested. On the other hand, some religious people may reject scientific facts due to various reasons. Some religious people may feel that their faith is put to the test by accepting science, which threatens many of the beliefs. Also, some religious leaders may be ignorant of the facts, resulting in a denial of the scientific answers to questions. Many of the scientific findings also conflict with religious beliefs; hence, the conflict.
The sociological study of religion does not challenge the faith of individuals but strengthen it. Science made many people doubt the truth of God’s word and the religious beliefs that accompany the faith. Hence, there is a need to study sociology of religion in order to understand the underlying truth. Thus, helping strengthen the confidence of the people.
Science is indeed changing the world too fast hence leading to stress and other associated challenges. Technology increases competition in the United States, which pressures people to be innovative and combat the competition. The pressure of the ever-changing economy and findings is changing life so fast. Hence the need for religion guides young people and other people to be self-aware and avoid the resultant stress.