Religion is a personal choice that can develop in any form and in any degree depending on the individual. Recently, religion has been declining in America. Many researchers question the significance of the increasing number of citizens who do not prefer organized religion. Will this dismissal of religion affect our country’s society and international reputation? Personally, I value the importance of religion, but (just like everything else) there must be a balance. A person cannot be driven only by religious motives. I view religion as personal journey, where one can discover and adopt morals and values.
According to the Huffington Post article, from 1990 to 2008 there has been a significant increase in American citizens who have never attended a church service. From those respondents, 45% of the adults blamed their “religiously active” parents. The Power of One, by Bryce Courtenay, includes many subtle insults towards religion in society. These views are clearly exemplified through Peekay and his mother’s interactions. Peekay’s mother had become blinded by the idea of Christianity, while Peekay was described to be more levelheaded, logical, and more of an individual than his own mother. Through his diction, Courtenay portrayed his mother to be erratic and to bash organized religion. She is thought to be part of the radical religious followers; in contrast, the article talks about those who have no religious beliefs. One must determine the middle ground- a place where they can be guided in the right direction (with a few mistakes), but are not completely blinded and narrow-minded.
Growing up in a very Catholic family, I have seen every degree of religion possible. My grandparents have a very strong faith, but it seems that with every generation comes a decrease in the passion for religion. With every generation, the children are becoming more and more like Peekay while the adults continue to have a stronger faith. My family situation proves the validity of the article and gives me a first-hand experience on the decrease of religion. A decrease in organized religion would not be detrimental for our country as long as future generations keep their morals and values in mind when fixing our country.
www.huffingtonpost.com/david-briggs/is-religion-in-america-in_b_843801.html
