What I Know….

Directions: Which effect of religion is referred to the following sentences? Write the
letter of the correct answer in your ANSWER SHEET.

a. Causes discrimination
b. Promotes social solidarity
c. Affirms hierarchy
d. Sets positive goals in life
e. Obstructs scientific success and development
f. Reduces fear of the unknown.
g. Obstructs the use of reason
h. Gives people a sense of belonging
i. Makes people fight each other
j. Provide moral values

______1. Religion integrates and stabilizes cultures as well as nations.

______2. Religion should be susceptible to progress.
______3. Religion sets notions of right and wrong.
______4. Religion promotes obscurantism
______5. Religion gives sense of origin and destination
______6. Religion is a source of discrimination.
______7. Religion gives a sense of purpose in life.
______8. Religion makes good people do evil things.
______9. Religion provides personal identity to individuals a part of a group with
similar worldviews, beliefs, values, practices and lifestyles.
______10. Religion perpetuates notions of class or gender discrimination and
oppression.

This activity is cited and taken from(Ong and Jose 2016)

Lesson 1

Positive Effects of Religion

What’s In…..
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 The world has been tainted by different issues that influenced and affected the lives of many
people through which religion has been part of. In such a case, list down 5 world issues where
religion is involved.
1. ____________________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________________
4. ____________________________________________________________________
5. ____________________________________________________________________

What’s NEW…..

Listen to the song Teach My Heart by Bukas Palad Music Ministry with the lyrics below.
This song was inspired by the prayer of St. Anselm of Canterbury in his search to know and
understand God. ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_iNJfXWwLk )

O Lord, my God, teach my heart where and how to seek You.

Teach my heart where and how to find You.

You are my God and my Lord and I've never seen You.
You've made me and remade me and bestowed on me all the good
things I have.

And still I do not know You.

I have not done that for which I was made.

O Lord, my God, teach my heart where and how to seek You.

Teach my heart where and how to find You,
for I cannot see You unless You teach me,
or find Yo u unless You show Yourself to me.

Let me seek You in my desire. Let me desire You in my seeking.

Let me find You by my loving You now.
Let me love You when I find You.

Teach me, Lord . Teach my heart where and how to find You.

Answer the following questions in your notebook:

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 1. What do you think is the meaning behind the song?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
2. What is the line that you find very interesting? Why?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Rubrics for the Reflection

5 The question was answered very clearly and definitively.

4 The question was answered clearly and definitively
3 The question was treated quite clearly and definitively.
2 The question was poorly answered
1 The question was not answered well.

WHAT IS IT…...
Religion made a lot of impact among people, believers, and non-believers alike. We see people change
whenever they witness miracles in their lives because of their faith and religion. We also see how the world
changes because of the influences that different religions ignite the people with. Hence, in a positive sense,
there are so many things we have now in the brought about by religion.
Religion is such a powerful influence on human beings, both on individuals and on communities. It has
inspired believers to do things, faithfully and magnanimously. Religion also played an important role in the
development of civilizations in the world. Most of the things that people enjoy today are products of religion, as
it established and paved the way towards making the lives of people peaceably livable.
As cited by Manaloto and Rapadas (2016), Dr. James L. Griffith identifies three related purposes that
religion serves:
1. Religion helps ensure security.
2. Religion helps build and strengthen the individual sense of self as being worthy and competent.
3. Religion helps reduce personal suffering, for self or others.

Moreover, religion also instilled values that cultivates peace, compassion, and kindness among believers,
helping them achieve their goals and ideals in life. It also shaped human spirituality and goodness in each
individual, and in forming them to have the capacity for transcendence which is very important in deepening
one’s relationship with God. Referring from Ong and Jose (2016), below are some of the positive effects of
religion:
• Religion promotes social harmony.
• Religion provides moral values.
• Religion provides social change.
• Religion explains the unknown.
• Religion gives positive goals in life.
• Religion gives people a sense of belongingness.

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 Hence, there are still a lot of positive things that can be attributed to religion, though such attributes are
uniquely known to people who experienced it. This is commonly known as religious experience that hones the
ground of spirituality among people. In every person, there is a tiny speck of light that has been shed by religion
that could ignite a change and a sense of the divine that no words could ever describe. So much so, religion
continuously leads the people towards their search for meaning. Hence, once a person understood the meaning
of life, they will all the more understand that human life is in constant relationship with God.

WHAT’S MORE…..
In your own religious experience, describe the positive effects of your religion or faith in your
life. List down 3 experiences and 3 values that religion instilled in you positively. 1 corresponding
point per answer will be given to you. Write your answers in your notebook.

Positive/ Good Religious Experience

1.__________________________________________________________
2.__________________________________________________________
3.__________________________________________________________
Positive Values
1.__________________________________________________________
2.__________________________________________________________
3.__________________________________________________________

RUBRICS FOR ESSAY

5 The question was answered very clearly and definitively.

4 The question was answered clearly and definitively
3 The question was treated quite clearly and definitively.
2 The question was poorly answered
1 The question was not answered well.

What I Have Learned…..

There are so many things that religion has given the world positively. Thus, these things are proofs why
religion has always been part of the lives of many faithful. With this in mind, enumerate at least five (5) positive
effects of religion as discussed in this lesson.

1._______________________________________________________________
2._______________________________________________________________

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 3._______________________________________________________________
4._______________________________________________________________
5._______________________________________________________________

Rubrics for the Reflection

5 The question was answered very clearly and definitively.

4 The question was answered clearly and definitively
3 The question was treated quite clearly and definitively.
2 The question was poorly answered
1 The question was not answered well.

WHAT CAN I DO….

Cut or print any picture from any sources that portrays a positive effect of religion in people’s lives.
Paste it in your notebook and explain what is in the picture.

Rubrics 5 4 3 2 1
The picture is The picture is The picture is The picture is not The picture is not
Picture very good. good. quite good. good. really good.
The explanation The explanation The explanation The explanation The explanation
Explanation is is very good. is clear. is quite clear is vague.
exceptional

Assessment….
Write a one-page reflection paper about the positive effects of religion using the knowledge you have
acquired regarding the lesson. Integrate your own religious experiences that made positive impact in your life.

RUBRICS FOR REFLECTION

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 CRITERIA DESCRIPTION POINTS POINTS OBTAINED

Content The content was well-thought of, and guide 10

questions
were thoroughly answered.
Organization The paper was wellwritten with ideas 5
clearly conveyed.
Analysis Points are thoroughly 5
developed, and analysis is comprehensive.
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ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES….

In your personal view or perception, what positive influence/s have you experienced about religion?
Write your answer ON YOUR ANSWER SHEET.

RUBRICS FOR ESSAY

5 The question was answered very clearly and definitively.

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 4 The question was answered clearly and definitively

3 The question was treated quite clearly and definitively.

2 The question was poorly answered

1 The question was not answered well.

Lesson 2

Negative Effects of
Religion
What’s In…..
An excerpt from an article in The New York Times (September 8, 1979):
Dalai Lama Says Buddhists Could Learn From Christians’ Activism
Commonality of Religions Stressed
The contact with the West has added to his lifelong conviction that “one religion of this world is
impossible.” He has made no move to convert Jews or Christians on this trip because, he says, “In human
society, there are many different tastes, many different foods, much different mental food.”
He added: “Many Christians tell me they believe in Buddhist meditation, which can be learned by
Christians. We teach right attitude. We teach meditation, which can be quite deep. These would be things that
the West can take, and I think it is clear that Buddhists should practice certain Western methods, too.”
“One can practice a Buddhist behavior, or one can have a Buddhist point of view, or both,” he said, “but
when it’s done from the theoretical view, it is difficult to also be Christian. It is a different philosophy. You cannot
be a Buddhist and also be a non‐Buddhist, so perhaps you cannot be a Christian and a non‐Christian.”
(Vecsey 1979)
In the context of the article, you can see that amidst the differences between the Christian and
Buddhist religions, there are still a lot of things to learn from each other. It’s always a matter of perspective and
outlook in other’s point of view.

What’s NEW…..
Listen to John Lennon’s song entitled “Imagine” and decipher the meaning behind the lyrics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkgkThdzX-8

Imagine
by John Lennon
Imagine there’s no heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine allthe people
7 living for today
Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’thard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people living life in peace, you
 But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be asneo
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people sharing all the world, you
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one
Answer the following questions and
write it on your You may say I’m areamer
d ANSWER
SHEET:

1. What do you think is the meaning behind the song?

___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
2. What is the line that you find very interesting? Why?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Rubrics for Reflection

5 The question was answered very clearly and definitively.

4 The question was answered clearly and definitively
3 The question was treated quite clearly and definitively.
2 The question was poorly answered
1 The question was not answered well.

WHAT IS IT…...
Religion has often been named as the culprit behind conflict and division among people. Sometimes, it
is also used as propaganda to advance in the vested interests of the few. Moreover, religious fundamentalism
often leads to strict observances of the faith and morals of a particular religion that becomes too much for their
followers. Hence, aside from all these, religion also causes confusion for many people since religions vary from

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belief systems and way of life. Thus, when talking about religion, there are always contrasting ideas and beliefs
that causes misunderstandings, miscommunication, and misconceptions.

Taken and cited from Ong and Jose (2016), the table below enumerates some negative effects and influences of
religion.
Negative Effects of Religion Examples
Affirms social hierarchy Confucian emphasis on the relations between the ruler
and the subject; Hindu Caste system
Causes discrimination Race, religion, age or gender discriminations
Triggers conflicts and fights Conflict between Muslims and Jews;
Muslims against Christians; ISIS;
Christians against Christians
An economic tool for exploiting the masses According to Karl Marx, “religion is the opium of the
people”; maintains social inequality by propagating a
worldview that justifies oppression
Impedes scientific success and development The Bible’s teachings are contrary to science; Church’s
doctrines in contrast with the scientific developments
such as reproductive health law, divorce, and abortion;
Obstructs the use of reason Inability to cope up with the demands of the progressing
and developing world; going against the tide of the
modern times

(Ong and Jose 2016)

Likewise, there are still a lot of things that religion might have influenced the society negatively. And,
in one way or another, these negative things led other people to disbelief and to doubt the existence of the
God. This is why there is a great responsibility for those people who lead their flock (priests, pastors, imams,
monks, etc.) to show and teach them the real essence of adhering to their faith and morals. If they fail to do so,
it could be the reason for them to fall apart. Thus, one mistake could lead to the destruction of others.

More so, since religion is the most influential sector of the society, people tend to believe easily to
whatever their religion teaches them. On the other hand, religious tolerance is simply being pushed away
because of the biases and prejudices that a particular religion has. In such cases, there arise the adversities and
misunderstanding that causes trouble among the people. Thus, this creates negative impact against religion.
That is why it is important for you, as someone who studies religion, to see the big picture and realize that what
matters here is not being on the top. Respect and tolerance are much needed to have a peaceful and faithful
adherence to one’s faith.

WHAT’S MORE…..
What other issues, problems, and conflicts in the society that you know are caused by religion? Upon
watching the news on TV, or reading the newspaper, or while listening to the radio, and even accessing the
internet, what other problems have you seen or heard? Using the table below, list down at least 1 negative
issue or conflict caused by religion in the present era for each category.

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 Negative Effects of Religion Examples
1.Affirms social hierarchy
2.Causes discrimination
3.Triggers conflicts and fights
4.An economic tool for exploiting the masses
5.Impedes scientific success and
development
6.Obstructs the use of reason

What I Have Learned…..

Religion has positive influences on people’s lives. However, due to the many circumstances that religion is
involved, we need to accept that indeed, people have different faith and belief systems.
Enumerate the negative effects of religion as discussed in this lesson:
1. _________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________
4. _________________________________________________
5. _________________________________________________
6. _________________________________________________

Moreover, in this subject, we should not aspire to make others believe what we believe. Rather, we
must engage in studying other religions and belief systems to know and understand others better, and realize
the things we are similar, and thus respect our differences.

WHAT CAN I DO….

What do you think is the best thing to do in order to promote peace rather than division
among religions? Write On your answer sheet your opinion and suggestions.

RUBRICS FOR ESSAY

10
 5 The question was answered very clearly and definitively.
4 The question was answered clearly and definitively
3 The question was treated quite clearly and definitively.
2 The question was poorly answered
1 The question was not answered well.

Assessment….
Analyze and write a 2-page essay on the positive and negative influences of the religion to
culture and society. Be guided by the following questions:
1. How can religion be an instrument of unity and not of division in the society?
2. In what ways can religion help the society obtain socio-economic development and promote the
welfare of all people?
3. What could be the possible antidote to the negative effects of religion in the society? Make use of the
Philippines as an example (i.e. Marawi siege; Abu Sayaff).

RUBRICS FOR REFLECTION PAPER

CRITERIA DESCRIPTION POINTS POINTS OBTAINED

Content The activity was able to write and indicate the 10

essential knowledge of the lesson
Organization The paper was well-written with integration of 5
personal experiences.
Analysis Analysis was clear and concise based on the 5
data presented.
20
(Ong and Jose 2016)

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES….
In your personal view or perception, or if there is any, what negative influence/s have you
experienced about religion?

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 RUBRICS FOR ESSAY

5 The question was answered very clearly and definitively.

4 The question was answered clearly and definitively
3 The question was treated quite clearly and definitively.
2 The question was poorly answered
1 The question was not answered well.

References…..
Manaloto, Christian B., and Maria Teresita R. Rapadas. 2016. Pilgrimage to Sacred Spaces: An Introduction to
World Religions and Belief Systems. Queszon City: Phoenix Publishing House Inc.
Ong, Jerome A., and Mary Dorothy dL. Jose. 2016. Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems: Textbook. Quezon
City: Vibal Group Inc.
Vecsey, George . 1979. "Dalai Lama Says Buddhists Could Learn From Christians' Activism." The New York Times, September
8: 23.
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