Religion is one of the most important factors determining the level of development in human societies. In every society there is a marked tendency towards religion if it is well developed, secure, and progressive. People tend to discuss religion whenever they interact with each other, irrespective of the social and cultural differences. Religious tolerance is therefore important, and religious intolerance is religiously costly. It has been observed that the vast majority of conflicts in the world today are instigated by some kind of religion, and this article uncovers some of the key factors that lead to religious intolerance.
Religions have always existed, and there is no reason why they should not continue to do so in the twenty-first century. The only reason why religion is threatened in the modern era is because there is a very great variety of religions, and people tend to think that their particular religion is the only true religion. They fail to see that there are a number of genuinely successful religions, such as yoga and Christianity for instance, and they also forget that there are numerous varieties of rituals practiced throughout the world, which have their own intrinsic values and beliefs.
Religion is the glue that keeps human beings together. Each and every country in the world has its set of sacred values and rituals, and all of them have been part of the lives of millions of human beings since time immemorial. Religious rituals and beliefs act as a language between human beings, as well as a set of shared values and beliefs. If religion disappears from the human societies, there will be nothing to bind the people together, as they will have no common ground or value to live upon.