The term religion is used to refer to a set of practices, beliefs, and values that people use to help them make sense of the world. The word was first recorded in Latin, religio, and means “respect for what is sacred” or “bind together.”

There are many variations of the term religion. Some attempt to define it in terms of the presence of a distinctive reality or idea; others are functional in nature.

Psychiatrists, psychologists and sociologists have studied religion extensively in the twentieth century. They have attempted to reduce it to one or more of these factors: (a) functional psychological, (b) social-group totem, and (c) perpetuating economic injustice-class struggle.

But these attempts have failed to capture the full complexity and range of religious phenomena. In addition to the psychological aspects of religion, a full analysis requires an in-depth understanding of history and culture.

Psychologists often suggest that religion helps humans cope with anxiety and stress by providing an anchoring place for them to turn to in times of trouble. They believe that religion gives humans confidence, a sense of security and a belief in a universal principle or God who will help them.

Nigel Barber -Barber (2011), for example, has suggested that religion may help people cope with the psychological effects of existential security because it offers them hope in the face of uncertainty and fear. Moreover, he suggests that religion provides individuals with a sense of belonging to a collective.