Religion is the relation that people have to something holy, sacred, absolute, spiritual, divine, or worthy of especial reverence. It includes the way that people deal with ultimate concerns about their lives and their fate after death.
The word religion is derived from the Latin term religio, which means “scrupulousness” or “devotedness.” In antiquity, it often meant a group of people with commitments to different gods or spirits. In contemporary terms, it may mean a religious community with a set of beliefs and practices.
Various types of religion vary across cultures, but all involve beliefs in some form of supernatural being or force (Gods, spirits, etc.). Besides the many beliefs, religions also have varying rituals and ways of interacting with these supernatural forces.
In the 19th century, Durkheim defined religion as “whatever system of practices unite a number of people into a single moral community.” He believed that this was one of the most important factors in a society’s stability and cohesion.
However, despite its importance in social development and stability, religion has a bad side as well. Over the centuries, it has led to a lot of bloodshed.
To avoid such a tragedy, we need to understand the real essence of religion. The true essence of religion is that it is the most intensive and comprehensive method of valuing that humankind has ever experienced.
