Religion is a social genus, a set of beliefs, values and practices that have a special significance for people. It gives meaning and purpose to life, provides a framework for morality, reinforces social cohesion, provides a means of controlling society, promotes psychological and physical health and may inspire individuals to work for social change.
Religious belief and practice are incredibly diverse. They can range from beliefs in disembodied spirits or cosmological orders, through rituals and ceremonies that involve crying, laughing, screaming, trancelike conditions, feelings of oneness with those around you and even the experience of transcendent beauty, to a commitment to a particular moral code. Some religious beliefs are objective, such as the belief in a single Creator God or an afterlife. Others are subjective, based on the individual’s experiences and interpretations. Despite their differences, most religions share certain features, including the importance of ritual and symbolic interaction and the need for personal spiritual growth.
The study of Religion is a large and active field. Traditionally, scholars have approached the topic from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. These include theology, philosophy, history, anthropology, psychology, sociology and political science. Many of these approaches have contributed to a broad understanding of religions, but a few have stood out as particularly influential.
Emile Durkheim’s work, for example, helped to highlight the functions that religions serve in societies, regardless of their content or how they are organized. His insights continue to influence much sociological thinking today.
Other scholars, such as Rodney Needham and J. Z. Smith, have taken a more structural approach to the concept of Religion. They have argued that, in order to understand religion, it is necessary to focus on the institutional structures and disciplinary practices that produce it rather than the hidden mental states that create the belief system itself. However, the structure/agency debate is far from settled and it will probably take time to see whether a more structural approach can replace the old model.
Many religious leaders and institutions have been criticised for their role in promoting inequality, violence, war and dictatorship. Nevertheless, in the long run, Religion appears to have positive effects on human health and well-being. Regular religious practice increases longevity and decreases the likelihood of death from a number of killer diseases. It also reduces stress, helps to maintain emotional balance and promotes social cohesion.
Moreover, recent research indicates that religious people are more likely to be civically engaged and more satisfied with their lives. Moreover, they are more likely to support their community and engage in volunteerism. Lastly, religiosity is associated with greater levels of empathy and compassion. These positive impacts seem to outweigh the negative effects. This is especially true for the ‘intrinsically religious’, who consider their faith to be central to their identity. The study of Religion will therefore be a fascinating and important field for the foreseeable future.