How does the teachings of religion influence an individual?

Religion can have both positive and negative influences on people. Many people find hope that cannot be found elsewhere in religion. Religion has served as the basis for many of the laws in our country (in spite of popular opinion trying to deny that historical fact). On the other hand, religion has caused some people to "stop thinking" and merely believe or be cajoled into "blind faith." Religion has been behind many wars and violence in the history of the world. Many times this comes from a misinterpretation of that religion, say by a particular leader, but that's not always true.
religion affects the way that we think because they have their own beliefs like in Christianity and Sikhism "sex before marriage is wrong"this will effect indivduals because they might start to believe this aswell. Also, some religions belive that it is wrong to be gay or lesbian so individuals who follow this religion will belive this and have a negative view of people who are gay or lesbian.

Sometimes some people might try to impose their views on others.