Is the religion opium for everyone?
According to Karl Marx, “ Religion is the opiate of the masses”. Religion has been defined variously. Some are formalistic and doctrinal in nature while others are emotive, intuitive, experiential, and ethical. Religion plays an important role in our daily lives and attitudes. It imparts moral guidance, emotional stability, and valuable serenity in today’s chaotic and unpredictable world. It helps us to be centered and grounded. This is the positive aspect of religion.
Religion can also be detrimental if it is used to cover up the underlying issues of anger, shame, and authority. “Hyper-religiosity” amounts to addiction and this may be a latent psychiatric disorder, such as depression. They become addicted to their faith and may turn fanatics. So, religion should be followed judiciously so that it becomes a boon and not a bane.