Religious studies
In this module, you have learned about different religions and philosophical views of happiness. Write a 1-2 page essay answering the following:
What role does religion play in being happy? Provide detail and examples.
Is religion necessary for happiness? Why or why not?
Support your position by providing three pieces of evidence from the readings and lesson content.
ANSWER
All religions play an important part in happiness. Christians believe that God grants them happiness and classify joy as a fruit of the holy spirit. In Buddhism, Buddhists seek to achieve nirvana by following the path of Buddha. Nirvana is a state of enlightenment which could also be termed as happiness. Religion contributes to happiness because it removes the burden of effort on the meekness of human being and instead leaves it to a more supernatural being with more power. The alternative would be to control every bit about life trying to achieve happiness which is not only difficult but impossible.
Similarly, religion presents an opportunity for believers to be happy. For instance, Christians get the assurance of eternal life in their service to God. In prayer, they speak to God as their father and in doing so, found an intimate relationship with God that gives them happiness. In difficult times as those experienced Job and the Israelites in the desert, religion or believing in God offers the option of a happier future when the problems would eventually end because God wants the best for his children and through trials and temptations, hopes they come out through strong and have strengthened their faith.
Religion is necessary for happiness because, in ordinary human life, troubles are inevitable which propels the need for a higher belief beyond the trivialities of humanity. Compared to none believers, religious people achieve more happiness and fulfilment in their activities no matter how little because it is beyond their self-interest and they believe they will receive a high reward from their creator for serving his creation as he commanded.
