The adherence to a structured faith has shaped the human worldview, challenging the understanding of the society, and the demands we place upon the structure that governs our lives. It encourages and provokes alterations, whether they are progressive or oppressive. A system that pervades those who adhere to it, religion has molded one the greatest agents of change in history; the political sphere and those leaders who follow it. Furthermore, religion serves to remind humanity of the value of the environment we inhabit; changing our attitudes to our habitat at time went an attitude change is crucial. Education and the desire to learn as advanced humanity dramatically, with the religious dimension able to contribute greatly to the education, or indoctrination of youths. However, an absolute belief in any structure that controls human existence provides the potential catalyst for conflict, particularly when ideologies and associated world understandings come to conflict, transforming society without benefit for many. Possessing the ability to encourage upheaval throughout society, the religious dimension has formed the world, which we inhabit, and will continue to do so, exhibiting its pervading power and influence. .
In a time where humanity systematically pollutes the world we inhabit, religion serves to remind us of responsibilities we have to that which nurtures us. November 2014 saw a massive interfaith response to the potential calamity that is climate change. Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism and Christianity came together in an unprecedented open letter that called for world leaders to "commit to a rapid transition away from fossil fuels. These five faiths form some 75% of the world's population, using their incredible influence to ensure that society's attitudes towards our habitat change as we begin to understand the negative repercussions are actions have had. The Buddhist faith, long seen as one that is earth-centric in nature, has recently demonstrated its ability to change attitudes in regards to society's view of the environment.