RELIGION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

There is no doubt that 'Religion', as commonly understood, has been one of the most powerful factors in civilizing humanity and in promoting human development. At the same time, history bears witness to its negative influence, or even its restrictive constraints, when institutionalised or organised as an instrument for exercising control and power over human beings and human
society. Every religion has two aspects: one is the belief, the credo, which is the theoretical aspect; the other is ritual, which is the practical aspect. The theoretical aspect comprises the principles and philosophy underlying the particular religion; the ritualistic aspect consists of the symbolic forms and formalities which are prescribed for the practice of that religion. Both are necessary to constitute what we call a 'Religion'.