Religion today has taken a much-institutionalized form. Its origin has always been debated and discussed today by various scholars. In sociological terms, ‘Religion is a system of sacred belief and practices both in the tangible and intangible form’. Religion can serve the dual role of ideology as well as institution. Today, religion has assumed a more narrow-minded approach. However, understanding religion in the broad sense highlights the following important points about it in society. Read on for the importance of religion in our lives.

What is Religion?

There are many definitions of religion.  It is not that easy to pin down exactly what religion is and then to insure that the definition distinguishes religion from magic and from cults and sects.  Many people offer definitions without much knowledge of the wide range of religious phenomena and the many different cultural manifestations of religion.  It is a rather common misconception to think that religion has to do with god, or gods and supernatural beings or a supernatural or spiritual dimension or greater reality.  None of that is absolutely necessary because there are religions that are without those elements.

 In this millennium there are over 6.2 billion people on the planet earth.  Most of them would declare that they are religious in some way.  Rough estimates are made that place people in the various traditions.

The Importance Of Religion

Religion is an important part of life for many people. Even people who are not all that religious by nature consider it to be important. The question is why do they feel this way? The reason is largely down to the belief that society needs religion. As a society we benefit from our collective religious beliefs. In fact, there are many people who would argue that we could not function without religion.

The biggest reason that society needs religion is to regulate behavior. Most of the laws that we follow today have their basis in religious teachings. There is considerable debate as to whether or not religion is required to make us good people but what is beyond dispute is that the rules for what is acceptable for society are largely based on religion. Without religion we would almost certainly live in a different type of society.

1. Cultural Identity

Religion plays a crucial role for a person in giving a cultural identity. Each religion has festivals, traditions, mythologies which form a part of the tangible and intangible heritage of the country. Thus, religion contributes in order to protect this heritage and also adds to the diversity in the country.

2. Values and Ethics

Religion helps in creating an ethical framework and also a regulator for values in day to day life. This particular approach helps in character building of a person. In other words, Religion acts as an agency of socialization. Thus, religion helps in building values like love, empathy, respect, and harmony.

3. Religion provides mental peace

Human life is uncertain. We struggle for survival in the uncertainties, insecurities and dangers. Sometimes we feel helplessness. It is the religion which consoles and encourages us in all times of crisis. Religion give us right shelter. We get mental peace and emotional support, which encourage us to face our life and problems.

4. Religion influences our health

There are two things in religion that help to influence one’s health, and this is prayer and meditation. When you pray and meditate you activate the brain and stimulate clarity as you do your thinking. Religion is helpful in a human being because it enables her to memorize things. Religion in our lives has the role of clearing our minds and promoting our well-being.

5. Religion gives us a sense of purpose

Religion helps us to define our lives, and thus we can say it gives meaning to our lives. Religion helps us to deal with the most stressful moments of our lives because it gives us hope to move on. It enables you to avoid depression, and so your life moves more smoothly and in a healthy manner.

6. Spiritual Connect

People are always on the quest of fulfilling the economic and material pursuits in today’s world. It is the religion which plays a crucial role in establishing our connection to the divine and developing the belief that there is a supreme energy that acts as a regulator in our day to day lives. Thus, the components of prayer, chants, hymns, etc. creates the spiritual bond.