Religion is a system of beliefs and practices that gives its believers something sacred to believe in, someone or something to worship, and a code of ethics or morality. It also teaches them how to live together in society and provides a framework for understanding their relationship with the transcendent. Religion deals in one form or another with salvation – either in a literal sense (as in gaining entry to heaven after death) or more generally, with overcoming suffering and reaching some state of nirvana or enlightenment.
Religions differ in their specific beliefs and practices, but most have certain common characteristics that distinguish them from philosophical or purely ethical systems of thought. These include ritual, a belief in a god or a group of gods, a concept of salvation, sacred rites and symbols, a place of worship, a priesthood or clergy to lead the faith, a set of moral principles, and sacred days and objects.
Most religions offer hope that life is meaningful and has a purpose. This can come from the belief that people have a special destiny to fulfil (as in Christianity), or simply that their lives matter to other members of their community. In addition, religious communities can act as a support network, helping to alleviate depression and anxiety and providing a focus for social interaction and procreation (again as in Christianity).
Some scholars have argued that the need for religion is driven by human curiosity about the big questions of life, death and immortality, and fear of uncontrollable forces. These needs are transformed by religion into a hope for eternal life, a benign creator who watches over humanity, and a sense of meaning in life.
The need for a framework to guide moral decisions is another motivating factor. This is especially true in the case of religions which are founded on belief in a supreme being and/or the biblical idea of a final judgment.
In the modern world, religions face a number of challenges and difficulties. The teeming multiplicity of philosophical ideas, ideologies and truth claims is a significant challenge to the status of religion, as are the tensions created by globalization between different religious groups.
Despite these challenges, the vast majority of studies have shown that regular participation in religion has positive effects on nearly every aspect of human well-being, from social concern and policy to individual happiness and mental health. The most consistent and robust of these benefits is the positive impact on physical health – research shows that those who are religious have longer lifespans, lower rates of mental illness and more frequent access to healthcare. Religions provide a source of social support, help the poor cope with their situations and give them a sense of belonging and that they have a purpose in this life and in the next. They also encourage good behavior and promote compassion towards those less fortunate than themselves. These are all powerful reasons why religion still has a role to play in our lives.