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Jake Wilson
Ms. Thomas
26 October 2015
UWRT 1103
Annotated Bibliographies
On-going reflection:
Ive learned that practicing religion does not mean going to church every week. For the majority
of people simply pray to their God.
Annotated Bibliography #1
"Why Religion Matters: The Impact of Religious Practice on Social Stability." The Heritage
Foundation. Web. 1 Nov. 2015.
In the article, Why Religion Matters: The Impact of Religious Practice on Social
Stability, Patrick F. Fagan, director of the Marriage and Religion Research Institute, discusses
the topic of religion and how it affects everyday life is brought is to life. Religion has always
been a focal point of society. The society, religion, and place of discussion is revolved around
Christianity in America. America is one of the most populous of worshipping people in the
world. It is believed that the first settlers of Christianity saw themselves as, agents of divine
providence. It can be inferred that this mentality and motivation to spread beliefs was a key
factor in making Christianity what it is today. Prayer is something that Americans do more than
going to church. Composite surveys were taken to show percentages of prayers in different
groups of American people. 94% blacks, 84% whites, 91% women, and 85% of men all stated

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that they pray on a regular basis. As the numbers might seem inflated, the simplicity of prayer, its
discretion, and its importance to even the most unsuspecting people must be taken into account.
Fagan believes that religion should and all of its positive consequences, should be taken into
account by policymakers and looked at as an alternative towards all of societys problems today.
Fagan goes on to make note of religion and how it is key benefactor in creating a positive
environment in previously negative ones. For example he states, how church attendance is the
most important predictor of martial stability and happiness and can provide substantially to the
formation of personal and moral criteria and moral judgment (Fagan 1). Fagan sees religion has
being a positive for mental as well as physical health. In the three most comprehensive
systematic reviews of the field there is at least 80% satisfaction and positive benefits for those in
religious practice. Even with these high numbers the effects of unhealthy religious practice are
used to downplay the generally positive influence of religion, which distorts the positive social
consequences of religion to policymakers.

The strength of the family unit is intertwined with the practice of religion. Churchgoers
are more likely to be married, less likely to be divorced or single, and more likely to

manifest high levels of satisfaction in marriage (Fagan 1).

In repairing damage caused by alcoholism, drug addiction, and marital breakdown,

religious belief and practice are a major source of strength and recovery (Fagan 1).
Regular practice of religion is good for personal physical health: It increases longevity,
improves ones chances of recovery from illness, and lessens the incidence of many killer
diseases (Fagan 1).
After reading and explaining this article I know more about the vast use of religion. I plan

to use this information in my thesis statement by expanding on how religion plays such a large

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role in society. This article is easy to read and contains many important facts that I will be able to
include in my thesis.
Annotated Bibliography #2
Hubbard,L.Ron."PublishedbytheChurchofScientologyInternational."ReligiousInfluence
InSociety.N.p.,n.d.Web.08Nov.2015.

In the article Religious Influence in Society, L. Ron Hubbard, philosopher of

scientology, examines the role of religion in society and why it is commonly attacked. Hubbard
first describes the West and how an early 20th century philosopher talked of the inevitable
decline of it. However, this philosopher failed to predict was that the West would export its
culture to the rest of the world and thus grip the entire word in its death throes (Hubbard 1). We
are all involved in the decline today and it is of an upmost importance. What is at stake is the
ideals that we cherish and whether or not new abhorrent sets of values will take over. For today
is a watershed of history and our actions today will be the ones that determine whether where the
world goes next, either up or continue to slide into some new dark age. Bad conditions dont just
happen and the cultural decay we see around us isnt haphazard. It was caused. Societies have
the capability to survive for thousands of years unless it is attacked from within or without by
hostile forces. It has been known throughout history that religion is the most critical point of
attack on a culture since religion is the foundation of society. Religion is a sense and most of the
time, the first sense of community for many people. It is a mutual experience with others that
makes it so strong. Hubbard further explains that when that gets destroyed, the people associated
either become desperate to save it or shatter at the knees.

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Probably the most critical point of attack on a culture is its religious experience. Where
one can destroy or undermine religious institutions then the entire fabric of the society

can be quickly subverted or brought to ruin (Hubbard 1).

For the last hundred years or so religion has been beset with a relentless attack. You have
been told its the opiate of the masses, that its unscientific, that it is primitive; in short,

that it is a delusion (Hubbard 1).

For thousands of years on this planet thinking man has upheld his own spirituality and
considered the ultimate wisdom to be spiritual enlightenment (Hubbard 1).
Throughout this article, I received more and more confirmation about how large a part

religion plays in society. I found it very fascinating and extremely easy to read. I always knew
how important a sense of community is, especially to humans. And it makes perfect sense to
think that religion really is the first exposure of this for a majority of people and that it has a
strong effect.
Annotated Bibliography #3
Scarince,Christine."HowReligionContributestoCulturalChange."Study.N.p.,n.d.Web.08
Nov.2015.
Throughout this video titled How Religion Contributes to Culture Change, Christine
Scarince, editor of Study.com, discusses how religion causes the culture to change. First,
Scarince explains, Religious practices shape, and are shaped by, the culture around them
(Scarince). In this video, the power of religion is put on display. Scarince also discusses that the
fact that friends or family members help to expose religion. Hearing about global conflicts
connected to or directly related to religion. In addition, religion affects more than people. The
three key points about religion that are being discussed are: the spread of Christianity through the

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Roman Empire, the impact of Islam in Middle Age Europe, and the role of religion in the
founding of the United States.
Christianity was new religion in the Roman Empire and viewed as threating to the
leadership. It was used to blame for the negatives of the empire and the people who practiced
Christianity were persecuted to death. When a Roman emperor by the name of Constantine
professed to Christian beliefs, Christianity went on to influence the Roman Empire in a big way.
The influence of the leader Constantine and his interest in Christianity went on to impact the
spirituality of the empire.
In the second half of the first millennium of the Common Era, Islam influence was
growing vastly. Islam and its intense beliefs about the disciplines earned itself a spot in a politics
throughout regions of Arabia, North Africa, and into parts of Europe and Asia, such as Spain and
India. This influence has led to the conflict between Sunni and Shia forces today in the Middle
East.

As a result, the spread of Christianity integrated the Church and the state more than had
been previously. While we are used to thinking of a separation between church and state
as a critical component of a free society, in the time of the Roman Empire, Christianity

became more solidified in the politics of that area of the world (Scarince 1).
Even with power more solidified, struggles within the wider belief system of
Christianity would make it possible for another religion to have its own major impact on

the world (Scarince 1).

As with Christianity, Islam incorporated some traditions from other religions (Scarince
1).

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I found this video very interesting and easy to understand. Without a doubt, the power of
religion is evident in this video; it is able to display how religion by itself can change an entire
culture and society. In the beginning of the video, they discuss ideas about how people come
about religion and how it can be the vocal point of major conflicts. In all three examples
displayed in the video, all cultures are changing at the ends of religion it is because either a
leader is displaying interest in religion or the majority of people are. It is hard to think about
large events in the past that were not caused directly are least connected to religion or criticized
through the eyes of religion afterwards. I plan to use this video in my thesis statement because it
shows how influential the power of religion can be.

Annotated Bibliography #4
"RemarksonReligion."InterviewbyNoamChomsky.N.p.,n.d.Web.08Nov.2015.
<http://chomsky.info/1990____/>.

Various interviewers interview Noam Chomsky, an American linguist, cognitive scientist,

philosopher, logician, political commentator, and social justice activist.
Q - The spiritual dimension in terms of religion. Is that at all a factor?
A - Noam believes that religion is flooded with irrational belief. But he recognizes that
its major phenomenon for people in general. Noam believes that people having different
believes is rational but succumbing to irrational beliefs is where the line should be drawn.
Q - Is it possible that Religion could ever become a more positive and healthy resource
for humanity that it presently is?

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A- Chomsky states that religion has played a positive role before quite often. His
example is Western civilization and how the Catholic Church has played an honorable role in
helping people in need. On the contrary he explains how the US carried out a virtual war against
the church n central America in the 1980s because workers of the church were working with
great dedication to honor those in need.
Q - By the light of your own atheist, Enlightenment-orientated philosophy, people who
believe devoutly in supernatural phenomena like resurrection, miracles, and the rest might seem
a little off their rocker. You wouldnt let that kind of mysticism pass uncriticized in the political
sphere. How does it work in relations with these people?
A While Chomsky does believe in principle that people should not have irrational
beliefs, I should say that as a matter of fact, it is people who hold what I regard as a completely
irrational beliefs who are among the most effective moral actors in the world, in many respects.
Theyre among the worst, but also among the best, even though the moral beliefs are ostensibly
the same.
I found this interview very interesting and easy to watch. I think that there were several
interesting points about religion and its presence in society. I think that I will definitely be able to
use this information in order to strengthen my thesis statement.
Annotated Bibliography #5
Bakombo, Schwab. "Inquire Blog: How Religion and Society Contribute to Gender Inequality."
Inquire Blog: How Religion and Society Contribute to Gender Inequality. N.p., n.d. Web.
08 Nov. 2015.

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Throughout the blog How Religion and Society Contribute to Gender Inequality, Schwab
Bakombo, teaching assistant at the University of Toronto, explores how religion affects gender
roles in todays society. Bakombo believes that the struggle for gender equality in religion is
still an issue despite the progress that has been made in bridging the divide (Bakombo 1). In
addition, he argues that these social constructs [are] deeply rooted in history (Bakombo 1).
After studying this issue for several years, Bakombo discovered that religion and culture present
some limitations (Bakombo 2). As a result of living in Canada, the author has noticed that the
idea of gay marriage is more widely accepted in the Canadian society, rather than other societies
where religion plays a greater role. Additionally, Bokombo discovered that specific gender roles
are less prominent in Canada compared to other countries with strong religious beliefs. With
most religions defining strict gender roles, it is not surprising that these roles have not been
redefined in many societies. Bakombo also discusses how religion affects gender identities
within todays society. He defines gender identity being a concept devised by men because
religion and culture are closely associated (Bokomo 2). Since religion affects both gender roles
and identities, we are able to see these effects within different cultures. For example, Bakombo
explains that his culture expects the woman of the household to be the caretaker of the home.
These gender roles are even defined within the biblical Wife of Noble Characters story in
Proverbs 31. Overall, Bakombo believes that these religious cultures have heavily contributed to
gender roles and identities in society. Since these gender issues have going on for such a long
period of time, Bakombo believes that it will take quite a while for these stereotypes to
disappear. Until these religions eventually decide to reshape traditional customs, we will
continue to have gender gaps in society.

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Careful observation of cultures may suffice in confirming the fact that humans have,
since their existence, been trying to shape social customs in order to establish a common
good, (Bakombo 1).

The definition and attribution of gender roles differ from culture to culture (Bakombo
1).

It appears that gender roles have become established and defined in society by men
(Bakombo 2).

I believe that this blog by Schwab Bakombo was fairly easy to read. I definitely think that I will
be able to use some of this information in my thesis paper about how religion affects society. In
addition, there are several useful quotes/facts that I will be able to explain further.

Annotated Bibliography #6
Coyne, Jerry A. "Science, Religion, and Society: The Problem of Evolution In America."
Evolution: 2654-663. Print.
Throughout the article Science, Religion, and Society: The Problem of Evolution in
America, Jerry A. Coyne, head of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Chicago, explores
the different issues relating to the acceptance of evolution in society. Coyne first considers the
fact that religion plays a large role in Americans not wanting to accept evolution. He adds,
Many Americans who seem to accept evolution in principle nevertheless claim that God
somehow intervened in or guided the evolution of Homo sapiens, thereby exempting us from the
naturalistic evolution accepted by scientists (Coyne 2654). Coyne, however, attempts to resolve

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this issue with two strategies. First, convince religious people that neither evolution nor science
poses threats to their faith (Coyne 2658). This strategy is known as accommodationism. The
idea of accommodationism addresses science and religion in two separate aspects of human
understanding. The second strategy of gaining more acceptance of evolution in society is
decreasing the importance of religion. Almost all indicators have shown that religion in America
is dropping. As a result, the idea of evolution is becoming more accepted in society.

Religion is an answer that many people do not want to hear, but there is much evidence

that Americas resistance to evolution is truly a byproduct of Americas extreme religiosity

(Coyne 2655).

Evolution, of course, contravenes many common religious beliefs not just those

dealing with Biblical literalism, but those dealing with morality, meaning, and human
significance (Coyne 2655).

Sciences method of finding truth, which relies on reason, empirical investigation,

criticism, doubt, predictive power, and repeatability of observations by different investigators, is

incompatible with religions methods for understanding the universe methods based on dogma,
authority, and revelation (Coyne 2656).
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this article about how religion affects the social
acceptance of evolution. I think that I will be able to use several quotes/pieces of evidence
throughout my thesis statement. I think that Coyne definitely brings up some interesting points
about religion and how it affects society. I also like how this article will incorporate science into
my thesis paper, an aspect that is very important to my topic.
Annotated Bibliography #7

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Wenner,Melinda."Study:ReligionIsGoodforKids."LiveScience.TechMediaNetwork,11
Jan.2008.Web.08Nov.2015.

Throughout the article, Study: Religion is Good for Kids, Melinda Wenner, freelance
science writer based in Brooklyn, New York, explains how teaching children religion from a
young age is actually very beneficial. It is noted that children with religious parents are simply
better behaved than ones without. Studies were taken with young children and they examined on
well they interacted with their peers and showed self-control. The researchers correlated this with
how often the childrens parents said they attended worship services, talked about religion with
their child and argued about religion in the home. It was evidently found that when both parents
were attending regular religious services and talked with their kids about religion, those specific
children were found with the highest level of social skills and approaches to learning than kids
with non-religious parents. On the contrary, parents who argue or normal basis about religion had
children who were more likely to have problems. Wenner adds, Religion can hurt if faith is a
source of conflict or tension in the family (Wenner 1). To conclude Wenners findings, John
Bartkowski, a Mississippi State University sociologist, notes the three key factors that make
religion a positive thing for developing children. The first was that religious networks provide
social support to parents which can improve parenting skills. For when children hear parental
messages reinforced by other adults they may, take more to heart the messages that they get in
the home. The second factor is all the positive values and norms that children are constantly
exposed to. The final would be how religious organizations imbue parenting with sacred
meaning and significance.

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The kids whose parents regularly attended religious services especially when both
parents did so frequently and talked with their kids about religion were rated by both
parents and teachers as having better self-control, social skills, and approaches to learning

than kids with non-religious parents (Wenner 2).

Its also possible that the correlation between religion and child development is the other
way around. [...] In other words, instead of religion having a positive effect on youth,
maybe the parents of only the best behaved children feel comfortable in a religious

congregation (Wenner 2).

Kids with religious parents are better behaved and adjusted than other children,
according to a new study that is the first to look at the effects of religion on young child
development (Wenner 1).
I have found very interesting information here and I am excited to use this in the future. I

specifically searched for an article of this type because it was a question I asked in my proposal:
Should children be exposed to religion early and be able to choose for themselves? I have come
to the conclusion after reading this that the most important thing that should be taught to children
is all the values that go along with religion. This is especially important because every religion
has them and they are the basic values that make us human.