How Does Religion Affect Culture?

A huge factor in different cultures is different religions. As Christopher Dawson wrote in his book Religion and Culture, "In all ages the first creative works of a culture are due to a religious inspiration and dedicated to a religions end" (Dawson 50). Almost every piece of art created by the Greeks or Romans were dedicated to their gods or depicted the gods doing certain things. Most ancient stories are in some way influenced by religion, and people today still hold religious sacrifices, pray, and thank god for things that happen.

Not only does religion affect how people in certain cultures think or how they are inspired, but it also affects how they act. For example, Muslims do not eat, touch, or gift with their left hand, because they think that it is evil. They also do not talk loudly or hold eye contact, and this is all because of their religion ("Customs and Behavior | Tips on how to behave in Muslim countries"). Similarly, many Hindus are vegetarian because of their religion ("Indian Culture: Traditions and Customs of India"). There are many religious schools, and many little religious things that people do without realizing it.

Lastly, many cultures hold religious ceremonies, have religious foods, and decorate their houses in special ways. in Phil Borges's TED talk "Phil Borges on Endangered Cultures", he talked about how many tribes have cultures completely based on their religion and culture, and hold sacrifices. Jewish people eat latkes during the holidays, and at church Catholics eat bread and drink wine. Many Christians have crosses decorating their houses, and sometimes have paintings or pictures saying "God Bless". Religion greatly affects how people act, decorate, customs, foods, and the culture of a group of people.

See you all tomorrow.

Buh-bye.