Religion and Personal Growth
Religion is at the forefront of many debates in subjects such as parental duties, moral aberrations, the rights of church-affiliated schools, and the loss of personal identity. Similarly, religion has had a significant effect on personal growth. For a majority of the people, religion is the only practicable way of attaining their spirituality and also the only approach towards their personal growth. Therefore, it is essential to understand the definitions of religion and personal growth to comprehend how they are integrated into human development. Religion refers to a belief system that has supporting social networks. For instance, Christianity is a religion that has several narratives of the nature of the universe and God. Further, it has rules which are broken down into the Ten Commandments. Personal growth describes the improvement of the inner self. It does not only include the acquisition of new skills but entails a better understanding of oneself, gaining the capability to handle difficult circumstances, and appreciating the meaning of life (Palmer 11). Therefore, religion is essential for personal growth because it enlightens people of their moral responsibilities through the religion beliefs while creating a better understanding of one's purpose in life.
The Role of Religion in Adolescence
Religious beliefs and practices play a crucial life in the personal growth of individuals, especially during their adolescence stage. Initially, the religious beliefs of adolescents are imparted to them by their parents or guardians. However, religious identity is vital for the acquisition of a person's character. Notably, Palmer asserts that discovering vocation does not mean clambering towards some prize but rather entails the realization of the true self (Palmer 10). When children are exposed to religion early in their development stages, they begin to get a clear understanding of the world and themselves. Markedly, religion helps them comprehend the importance of morals and virtues in the society (Scott 185). By learning the commandments as stipulated in the Bible, people can maintain positive relationships with God, something that ultimately has a positive influence on their personal growth.
Religion and the Achievement of Life's Purpose
Spiritual or religious information seeks to helps an individual understand his or her life's responsibilities or tasks better, thus aiding in the achievement of the purpose of life more easily (Scott 187). A relationship with the spiritual world is helpful in the formation and accomplishment of one's goals and objectives in life. For instance, as a Christian, I have learned about different people in the Bible who suffered before they got what they wanted to accomplish. The Israelites, for example, had to toil in Egypt as slaves before they finally got their land in Canaan. By familiarizing oneself with such narratives in the Bible, one comes up with the realization that life is not always going to be easy. According to Palmer, there can be times in one's life when it looks like the end but it is usually a time for healing and resting (Palmer 101). From lessons such as this one, a person gains a sense of confidence and perseverance through life's difficulties. Therefore, it is easier to achieve and attain a sense of personal growth and development by having religious affiliations.
Teachings and Ethics in Religion
Every religion has teachings that impact its followers. Notably, this is the reason why there are leaders in all religious affiliations. Their role is to ensure that the believers learn all the morals associated with that religion and how to implement them in their lives. The ethics are crucial because they help the followers to live better lives every day. Another important aspect of religion in personal development is that it does not only teach the followers how to live a healthy life but also how to have a healthy soul (Palmer 34). By following the teachings of Christianity, for example, my spirituality has been enhanced, and I am capable of controlling my emotions. This is because religion helps one communicate or get in touch with their soul. When one has this kind of connection, they learn how to find more balance in life (Scott 204). This has been proven by psychologists who have undertaken studies meant to look at how religious people live their lives. Notably, it has been established that such people have the aptitude to live their lives free from stress and other negativities of life. The presence of minimum distress factors is essential for healthy personal growth.
Religion and Social Interactions
Personal growth is also closely related to social development and interactions. One of the advantages of religion with regards to this notion is that it provides a platform for likeminded people to meet and create a bond as a result of the similarity of their beliefs. People who have the same ideas and perceptions are likely to collaborate in other matters of life other than religion. Additionally, by being part of a religious group, it is easier to get help or advice regarding some challenging circumstances in life. When one loses touch with him or herself, other believers are likely to help this person recover. Therefore, one has a better chance of attaining personal growth and development if they are religious.
Conclusion
Summing up, religion plays a significant role in personal growth. For many people, it is the only platform for developing their spirituality and enhancing their growth. During the adolescence stage of development, one gets a better understanding of themselves by following the religious practices of the parents. Morals are understood at this point and are imperative in growth. The teachings taught in different religions also help people live healthy lives and have healthy souls free from negative emotions and stress. Finally, religion is important for improving social interactions which are essential for the attainment of personal growth and development.
Works Cited
Palmer, Parker J. Let your life speak: Listening for the voice of vocation. John Wiley " Sons, 1999. 9-55.
Scott, Morgan. The road less traveled: A new psychology of love, traditional values and spiritual growth. Simon " Schuster, 2003. 185-208.
