Religion is a broad and diverse field of study that covers many aspects of human beliefs. It includes belief systems that teach moderation, respect for others, and the importance of a higher power. The world’s most popular religions are Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism. The majority of the world’s 6.5 billion people are religiously affiliated. The study of religion is important because it provides a solid foundation for addressing real world issues. It also inspires the critical thinking skills that students need to understand different cultures and beliefs.
The word religion reflects human beings’ relationship to that which they regard as holy, sacred, absolute, spiritual, divine, or worthy of especial reverence. It can involve a person’s relation to gods or spirits, and in more humanistic or naturalistic forms it may focus on a person’s relationship with or attitude toward the broader human community or the natural environment. It often involves a feeling of obligation, based on taboos, promises, curses, or covenants, and a sense of responsibility for one’s actions and choices.
The definition of religion has varied over time and from person to person. For example, sociologists have used a functional definition, such as Durkheim’s, that depends on the social function of creating solidarity. Other definitions have been based on theology or philosophy, such as Paul Tillich’s that turns on a person’s ultimate concern. Some have taken a scientific approach, such as the meme theory of Richard Dawkins that suggests that there is a genetic material for religious ideas that can be transmitted from generation to generation.