Reference no: EM133648744

Question

We learned about intrinsic and extrinsic religion. Intrinsic, which refers to within one's self, is the bond or tie to religion that one has within oneself. It is a part of who they are. They can find parts of themselves when they practice their faith. Religion is very important in their life and is not pressured by anyone outside of themselves. Extrinsic religion on the other hand refers to a more external approach to religion. These people are motivated by outside pressures, whether that be by parents or friends, or your community. They may use religion as a way to appease others or gain approval from others. Religion is usually not as personally precious to them as it is to an intrinsically religious person. From what I have gathered, intrinsic religion is also associated with well-being. Religious people who have a good and healthy connection with their faith are more likely to achieve a sense of well-being and feel fulfilled. People who have good intentions and do not use religion to harm others. They are happy within their faith and only wish to spread the love and light that they feel to others, not to force beliefs upon them. Differentiating between healthy and unhealthy faith can differ from person to person. To me, a non-religious person, unhealthy faith is something that takes over your entire life and doesn't let you be an individual. The person lives by exact rules and is not allowed to even think about venturing from a strict path. It also does not allow creative thinking, very close-minded. Those who feel the need to exile themselves from others who do not share the exact same mindsets. One that has no room for forgiveness of others, and spreads mean things to those who do not share their religion. Contrarily, to me, a healthy faith is one where the person is not close-minded, they accept that others may have differing thought processes. They accept creativity and promote personal growth. As I mentioned before the person wants to spread compassion and show empathy to others, even if they do not believe in the same things. They do not abide by strict rules that take over their sense of self. It is a side dish instead of the main course.