Informal Essay: Religion In North America

ENG3U: Informal Essay
[North] Americans do not believe in a higher power as they put more emphasis on material goods. First off, North Americans do not put enough effort into religion and it’s symbolism as much as they do with regards to material objects and their significance. Also, people put more money into materials, objects or items, rather than donating to their local parish. Furthermore, the desire for the American Dream outweighs our need for faith in the lord.
Religion’s significance in symbolism has declined over the past decades compared to material goods in which are recognized all over the North Americans. Symbolism is what helps people recognize the importance of a company, an incident, a religious belief and etc.. For example,
Nike is a North American renowned sports company, in which many people buy and wear their products on a day to day basis. Most of North America can recognize the symbol of Nike “The Swoosh” and its significance Just do it, but many do not recognize the Omkara symbol in the Hindu religion and what it stands for. The Omkara symbol represents the universe, the past, the present and future. Many have replaced religious beliefs with materialistic goods in order to live a wealthy and satisfying life instead of staying pure for their afterlife and other religious concerns after death. Also, most people do not realize the unnecessary materialistic goods in their household, such as Loui Vuitton, Apple, Honda, Microsoft, and etc while in those same households; religious materialistic symbols are to the minimum. This proves that society has turned to money and the goods that come with it for satisfaction instead of believing in their religious god(s) for a safe and happy life and afterlife. Thus, stating that materialistic goods are far more valuable than religious symbols in today’s society.
Many do not realize that more money is invested in products instead of donating that money to the ones that would benefit from it. In the Hindu religion and many other religions, when someone has helped someone out they are often blessed and told they will gifted by the god or rewarded in the afterlife. However, in today’s society, many have forgotten their religion and strong ties it has with their life, instead when someone has helped someone out, people often reward them with some type of materialistic good as a token of thanks. It explains that many do not help the local parish or others for the sake of fulfilling happiness, but to receive expensive rewards, in which they cannot be blamed as their surrounding society has morphed their head into thinking so. In addition, many invest thousands of dollars in desired goods in which fulfill a minimal purpose in their life, such as a Samsung OLED Smart TV that cost three thousand dollars, while they can donate to at least one fifth of that cost towards non profitable organizations such as Free the Children or Salvation Army. Hence, many people do not realize the amount of money they waist for useless goods while they can help a person in need and feel an eternal happiness.
Many North Americans have followed the “American Dream” in order to live a sustainable life while at the same time have slowly lost their faith in their god(s).
The stereotypical dream is to be married, have two children, and live in a three bedroom house with a white picket fence. By chasing this dream and being part of the society, many forget the fact god plays a huge role in their current life and afterlife. Most importantly many forget that God is everyone’s white picket fence; bright, tall and guarding symbol that show others who you are and protect you from the negativity. Many are blinded to the wealth and inclusiveness in society when living the “American Dream” that they forget that god is there helping them the whole life, and determining their afterlife as well. The belief in god takes people a long way in life not materialistic goods. Furthermore, in order to live the American Dream one must buy many affordable materialistic goods like other consumers in order to fit into society. The problem with this is that many have lost touch with their religious beliefs and do not connect with others through their god and their morals, giving materialistic goods more importance compared the god(s). Therefore, the “American Dream” blinds many from their religion and
god(s).
The significant meaning of religious symbols has slowly become unknown as materialistic goods are being implemented into citizens on a day to day basis. Moreover, many of them are investing in desired goods instead of giving back to the community or donating to charities. Lastly, many citizens are blinded by the goal of reaching the “American Dream” that they forget the one that guide the there, god. Thus we conclude that North Americans are giving importance to materialistic goods instead of to the ones above who determine our fate.