"I have increasingly, over the years, felt that religion today does our civilization more harm than good"

Mary Douglas's declaration encapsulates a vital perspective on the function of religious beliefs in contemporary society, suggesting that its effect might be more destructive than beneficial. To analyze this quote, it is necessary to explore the possible reasons and ramifications behind such a viewpoint.

To start with, Douglas may be dealing with the changing nature of religious beliefs in today's world. In earlier times, religious beliefs was typically a unifying force, supplying ethical standards, neighborhood cohesion, and existential convenience. Nevertheless, in contemporary society, it might sometimes add to department rather than unity. This department can manifest in various types, such as sectarian violence, cultural clashes, and even worldwide conflicts sustained by religious differences.

Moreover, Douglas's declaration could show an observation of how religion interacts with the growing secularism and clinical improvement of modern-day civilization. As societies progress technically and clinically, there might be a viewed tension between spiritual dogma and empirical evidence, causing conflicts in fields such as education, health care, and environmental policy. In this context, faith might be viewed as an obstacle to advance if it resists adjustment to new understandings or hold on to out-of-date ideologies.

Furthermore, this quote may talk to the misuse of faith for political or individual gain, where spiritual narratives are manipulated to justify class structure, discrimination, or inequality. When faith is entangled with politics, it can often be wielded as a tool for control rather than a source of ethical assistance.

Lastly, Douglas's review could highlight how religion in some cases stops working to adjust to modern-day values such as specific rights, gender equality, and inclusivity. Sometimes, rigid adherence to traditional religious norms might oppose modern movements toward social justice and human rights, consequently impeding social development.

In essence, Mary Douglas's quote welcomes reflection on the role of religion in today's world, questioning whether it has adapted to fulfill the needs of modern-day civilization or remains a source of dispute and department. It triggers a conversation on how spiritual practices and beliefs can develop to contribute positively to social cohesion and progress.