Religion is hard to define. Yet almost all cultures have some form of religion, and it seems to be a universal human need and experience. It deals with salvation in some way, whether literally in a heaven or hell afterlife as for Christianity or more symbolically through ending suffering such as nirvana as for Buddhists and many other Eastern religions. It has some kind of rituals and rites, sacred books, places, symbols and days that are special to believers, and usually a priesthood or clergy that administers the faith. The term “religion” has its roots in the Latin word religio, which approximates conscientiousness or devotedness.

A number of scholars use a different approach to defining Religion, dropping the notion that a religion has to be based on belief in some unusual reality and instead using what they call a functional definition. This assumes that a given set of beliefs and practices will generate social cohesion or provide orientation in life for its adherents, and this is what one sees when Emile Durkheim’s 1912 idea of a “religious society” is applied to other forms of life such as capitalism.

The benefit to mental wellness of practicing religion is well documented, ranging from stress relief to moral guidance and hope in the face of life’s challenges. It helps people overcome problems such as alcoholism, drug addiction, domestic abuse, and divorce by providing structure and stability to their lives. Moreover, studies show that regularly attending church or synagogue may even extend the life expectancy. However, none of this means that religions don’t have their problems. They can be insular, antiquated, legalistic and damaging.