To Believe or Not to Believe

When reflecting upon American History, and history in general, one finds that majority of the issues and corruption involved some form of religion. From the Crusades to the Salem Witch Trials, leading to the issues in Syria today, religion has acted as a catalyst for the chaos and instability of a many societies.

But is religion really to blame? Does the belief in a God, Gods, or etc. really cause these issues?

The answer lies "not within our stars but within ourselves". The reality is, when looking back, it was not the fault of faith but instead the corruption within the religious revivalists and leaders that resulted into these tragedies. It is not the belief that is the cause, but instead the abuse and manipulation of those beliefs which results into the bigotry and intolerance we still see today.Do not blame the believer, blame the instigator. Upon investigation of these past events, all religious intolerance has also been linked to social conformation, economic gain, and political power--none of which (by general interpretation) deals with the religion itself.
Though many shall claim, such as Pope Julius II that there usage of money and power was directly for the Church benefit, these religious figures only demonstrated and advocated for intolerance--convincing the naive like sheep.

Many of these "religious leaders" take those who seek religion for personal fulfillment and hope, and manipulate them for their own needs. Even Johnathan Edwards, who claimed to spread only the word of God, terrified many and even lead to mass suicides.
As seen in the Crucible, a society embedded with the ideas of a theocracy results into illogical reasoning and hazardous consequences.

Therefore religious belief should be what most people believe it is, a personal connection. Tolerance is required for happiness. Remember your word is your own, and no matter "the word of God" or preacher, you are the guider for your own path.

The Power of Power

If you had the power to reject someone, yet just as easily take them back, would you be so selfish?

If you had the power to do anything you wanted to, without caring about the consequences, would you?

These are the questions one must ask themselves when dealing with power. 

The privileges and rights of an individual play a major role in their personality, growth, and desires. Despite any "proper" or well-established background, when presented with the opportunity for power, the temptations are far too great to resist.But why is this? Why is the abundance of power so chaotic and corrupt? What is it within ourselves that results into this self-proclaiming war?

The reality is, we are all distorted. 

Every single act of the human being, can be viewed as selfish, as political, as monstrous. 

But is it truly the individual that was corrupt, or the system before them, surrounding their every day view?

The Crucible outlines the basic 17th Century society--a town developed and dependent upon religion; a true theocracy. And yet, through the characterization of Abigail, we see the true evil of humanity. The darker, crueler, and remorseless sides we refuse to speak of. Yet, was it the true character of Abigail, or the corrupt status of the society itself?

The poor communication, economic issues, paranoia, and heavily integrated religious influence, all played the major roles in creating the mass hysteria. 

It is not the individual itself, but the power and social standards surrounding them that is the great influence--the catalyst to the chaos.