Sociology

Religious traditions of promoting peace can be found in many cultures, fitting many of the paradigms that various societies demand. The Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam all have traditions that promote peace unfortunately these are observed by few. Followers of these religions are found all over the globe including the United States of America (Brockopp, 2003).

USAs imam function in his congregation
The Imams role has been very fundamental in providing the spiritual needs of the Islam faithful. Like other religions, the Imam will mainly be involved in duties of delivering spiritual services to the Islam followers. It has however been the norm of many Imams to explain their beliefs in their religion to members in high ranks of the military who are not Muslims. They have always been in the fore front in fighting for Muslim society to hold to their prayers.

The Imam also has always played a very significant role ensuring that all Muslim soldiers not willing to go to fight in such places like Afghanistan due to reasons based on religious matters are granted the chance (Brockopp, 2003). The role of the Imam is very wide and sometimes is found to take the roles and functions of the human rights activists.  They play a central role in promoting the rights of the Muslim community in the event where contentious issues arise (Marsden, 1990).

Muslims and US cultural traditions
In the United States today, many of the citizens across the land are deep-rooted in         Christian traditions. Why is it then that many of the same people who believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ also believe in the death penalty for criminals The answers for this can be found more along the traditional lines than those of value. Likewise, many Islamic societies routinely practice capital punishment.  These are regarded as the similarities that exists between the US cultural traditions and the Islamic world the desire to promote peace (Marsden, 1990).

However, the mode of achieving peace has been very conflicting. A possible explanation for this seeming paradox in values is the importance of the individual. In Islam, the personal relationship with the creator in order to find individual peace is a quality that is traditionally taught. Violent or socially unacceptable actions that disrupt others peace could be viewed as appropriate events suitable for capital punishment (Brockopp, 2003). Because murder in fact disrupts an individuals peace, a second murder could be seen as necessary to prevent future acts of violence, both by the original individual and by others that may be influenced. This may also be an example of group dynamics as it relates to tradition, so important in these societies.

Imams action on conflicts with US cultural traditions
The Imam in handling these differences makes sure that these values of Islam are taught and explained to the supreme authorities. The conflicts are resolved as religious matters as stated in the United States constitution that everybody has a freedom of worship. Solving it this way has been more efficacious in making sure conflicts are handled without generating further turmoil (Marsden, 1990).

Religion and every days behavior and decisions
As seen in many religions, faith has found a significant role in every days behavior and decisions in life. It has become a lifestyle to many and in fact many people live according to the beliefs they hold in their religions. My faith has given me directives on what to consume as far as food is concerned and entertainment. My faith also has also taught me on the mode of seeking peace with all people and handling with sobriety all things that are at my disposal. The teachings of my faith have been the lamp by which my feet are guided.