Religion is human beings’ relation to that which they regard as holy, sacred, absolute, spiritual, divine or worthy of especial reverence. It includes beliefs, values and practices that help people cope with ultimate concerns about life, death and the future. Religion also offers a sense of identity and meaning, binds people together socially and reinforces social stability. It may even motivate people to work for social change.
A number of theories have been developed about the nature of religion. Some of these are based on psychological observations, others on social and cultural structures and historical events. For example, some scholars have argued that a religion is essentially an elaborate myth that functions to explain why things happen and provide answers to unanswered questions. Others, like Sigmund Freud, have emphasized the role of feelings in the formation and expression of religion. Still others have emphasized the importance of ritual and ceremonial practice.
Some of the most important sociological analyses of religion have been offered by Emile Durkheim and Paul Tillich. They were the first sociologist to analyze religion in terms of its societal impact. For Durkheim, religion binds people to each other and creates solidarity, helps establish and maintain a moral code of conduct, and provides strength for dealing with the inevitable tragedies and transitions in human life. Tillich, in contrast, defines religion as whatever the dominant concern is that organizes a person’s values and guides his or her behavior.
Whether one accepts these definitions or prefers an open polythetic approach that takes into account all of the ways that something can be defined and measured, it is clear that the concept of religion is not necessarily universal. Some scholars, for instance, have argued that religion is a social genus and therefore must be present in every culture. Others have criticized this idea, arguing that there is no such thing as a generic social genus and that, rather than claiming that a particular set of beliefs or behaviors is the only possible definition of religion, it is more productive to focus on how a specific culture uses this concept in their everyday lives.
Regardless of which theory or theories of religion you choose to support, it is worth noting that many studies show that religiosity is associated with improved health and wellbeing. The reason for this is not because of any belief in miracles or supernatural powers but, rather, because religious and spiritual activities provide a variety of ways to deal with the stresses and difficulties of life. This makes them more effective coping mechanisms than other nonreligious coping strategies. These benefits are especially great for those who are ‘intrinsically religious,’ that is, those who are genuinely committed to their faith and whose beliefs shape their thinking, behaviour and relationships. However, even those who are ‘extrinsically religious’ seem to benefit from the positive effects of religiosity.