There is no dispute that religion brings peace of mind. Even putting aside the perspectives of those who view religion from the outside or are indirectly influenced by it, those who believe in religion find solace and comfort in their faith.
However, in Korea, where I currently live, religion has become another social gathering and interest group. People who share a particular faith or belief gather to reinforce each other's convictions, often forming boundaries that separate them from outsiders. This tendency shifts religion from being a source of inner peace to becoming a social tool. As a result, religion often functions less as a pure sanctuary for spiritual comfort and more as a group centered around solidarity and mutual benefit, straying from its original purpose. Religious activities lose their pure meaning and become a way to strengthen the community within.
They share information, seek mutual interests, and emphasize internal cohesion over external engagement. This dynamic prioritizes collective bonds and benefits over the original goals of peace and comfort, causing religion to gradually transform into a social club or interest group. Religion thus serves less as a space for faith and spiritual growth and more as another social mechanism to maintain and protect the interests of certain groups.
I cannot understand why places like churches and temples need to be so grand and elaborate. Nor can I comprehend how clergy and religious leaders, recognized as professionals, pay no taxes while using luxury cars and expensive products. This shows that the gods they serve have been sidelined, and religion is being used to satisfy human needs. They use the vast amounts of money collected from their followers to strengthen their influence and harshly punish those in society who speak out against them. At the same time, they protect their influential members and exchange mutual benefits. Many of the most corrupt and distrusted politicians adopt religion for this reason. Religion provides a perfect shield for those who wish to conceal their dirty deeds and seek personal gain. Religion has lost its purpose.
In reality, we all know the truth: in today's capitalist society, "money" is the true religion. Aren't all other religions, under different names, ultimately serving "money" as well? Even so, should we continue to believe in religion?
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