[The Editors' Verdict] What Is the Purpose of Religion?

Published 06 Oct.2020 18:10(KST)

The last large-scale persecution of Christianity in the Roman Empire ended in AD 311. The following October, Emperor Constantine marched to Rome to defeat his rival Maxentius for control of the Western Roman Empire. According to accounts, he and his soldiers witnessed a burning cross appearing in the sky. Along with the cross was the inscription "In this sign, conquer (Teuto nika)." Afterward, that cross was engraved on his military standard.

Emperor Constantine officially ended the persecution of Christians through the Edict of Milan in AD 313. Not only was freedom of faith granted, but it was also declared that all property seized or destroyed during the persecutions would be returned. Compensation for persecution and damages was also announced. It was not until 324 that he subdued the Eastern Roman Empire, where persecutions had not been absent. Although the Roman polytheistic forces were still the majority, they gradually declined, and Christianity began to replace them.

Throughout the history of all religions, there is bloodshed. Is freedom of faith something that cannot be obtained without bloodshed? After Jesus was crucified, the history of Christianity was a continuous series of martyrdoms. Nevertheless, freedom of faith did not end all conflicts. It was the beginning of new confrontations. In Constantine's era, there was discord over the relationship between Jesus and God, and later, conflicts arose over differing views on the relationship between Jesus and humanity.

Conflict may be inherent to the nature of religion and faith. It is widely known that Islam is divided into Sunni and Shia factions that are at odds with each other. Although the severity of the conflict may be less, Buddhism also has various sects in opposition. Given that such strife exists in advanced religions like Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism, one can imagine the conflicts and corruption in pseudo-religions without even seeing them. Furthermore, conflicts between religions have left many indelible wounds in human history.

Religion is especially prone to corruption when combined with politics. The Crusades were one of the disasters caused by the fusion of politics and religion. The Inquisition was also politically exploited. The religious trial of the Knights Templar, led by Philippe IV of France (1268?1314), was among the worst. The persecution by Spain's Felipe II (1527?1598) in the Netherlands for religious reasons was relentless. The Thirty Years' War (1618?1648), which erupted from the conflict between Protestant and Catholic states, plunged early 17th-century Europe into a great crisis. All of these were tragedies born from the entanglement of politics and religion.

Currently, all religions in the Republic of Korea are in crisis. Cases of clergy abusing religion for political or personal purposes are far too frequent. If it were the Middle Ages, they might have even resorted to the Inquisition. It does not seem to be because of faith in the absolute being. Nor does it appear to be for social justice. They even refuse requests to refrain from gatherings for quarantine purposes. They seem to believe that the absolute being will protect them, but the absolute being would not willingly bear such a burden.

Ultimately, there are many people who do not know what they believe but pretend to be clergy. Moreover, among the clergy, there are quite a few who appear to be atheists. The absolute being watches from above, so such words and actions are unacceptable. What does religion exist for? Faith in an invisible absolute being is noble in itself. Clergy who abuse such faith do not even realize what they are doing. The absolute being is said to bring peace, but those who follow him are breaking it. While it is comforting to say not all are like this, one cannot help but lament the corruption of religion.