Religion is defined in many ways. No one definition fully includes all religions except perhaps this one--religion is one's beliefs. But that really does not tell you much, so I will list several definitions.
-Religion is a guide for self-improvement
-Religion is a belief in a higher power
-Religion promotes directions fo achieving happiness
-Religion teaches morality
-Religion explains man to man
-Religion helps explain tragedies
-Religion defines relationships between people and the rest of the universe
-Religion defines relationships between people and the creator of the universe
These are just a few definitions. Religion probably has a different meaning for everyone. Religion is the belief in something beyond the physical world. It usually, but not always, involves worshipping a higher unseen power, which is thought to have created the world and now oversees it. Religion is more than just a belief in a god or gods, for many it is a way of life, a tradition. It is a method used to find a peaceful life amidst a world of chaos.
Religion offers a community of fellow believers who think about some things in a similar manner. To be surrounded by people who think as you do is comforting. Most people seek out groups or individuals who think like they do. It is often a needed, reassuring tradition for many people to go to a place of worship once a week or more. In any religious gathering you are surrounded by people with the same religious heritage as you. It is comforting to be with and talk to like-minded individuals.
All forms of religions offer some type of moral education or rules for behavior...a basic moral code, like the Golden Rule. The opportunity to make the wrong choice is always there but the presence of religion will hopefully make the decision to do the right thing a little easier. Lots of people have difficulty defining what to do or what not to do; religion can help with this. Some people need a little more guidance than others. It is mystifying that anyone would need to be told how to determine right and wrong behavior but apparently some do. A few religions have lots of rules and that is perfect for those people who need that. Most religions send out the message of love and compassion. The ways those messages are sent out are a little different, but they all basically say the same thing...Be Nice!
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