Question

How do religions and belief systems affect society?

Answer 1

Generally negatively.

For instance, many religious fanatics refuse to allow equal marriage laws in the U.S. because this not "how God intended it".

Islamics claim their acts of genocide are in the name of Allah.

Science was considered witchcraft all throughout the Dark Ages, because the Church didn't appreciate the competition.

During the 18th century Blacks were considered property because of their skin colour.

Answer 2

It affects how we view things like who get to marry who, who gets to vote and who does not, among other things.