Religion is a set of beliefs and practices that gives believers something to believe in, someone or something sacred to worship, a code of behavior to live by, and a system of meaning for the world around them. Those who practice religion usually believe that there are supernatural forces that influence the world, and often believe in some sort of afterlife. Many people use the term “religion” to refer to a specific faith, such as Christianity or Islam, but religion is much more than a set of beliefs. It is a way of life for most people.
There are different theories about the origins of religion. Some anthropologists (scientists who study human societies and culture) believe that religion was created as a response to a biological need. They argue that the human brain is designed to think about the possibility of an afterlife, and religion provides a way for humans to deal with this fear. Others anthropologists believe that religion was created as a result of cultural need. They argue that early humans developed religion in order to provide an explanation for the random events in their lives, or a way to cope with death.
Like all social institutions, religion evolves across time and cultures. Some changes are dramatic, and some are incremental. Religions may change based on the needs of their communities, or because of changes in technology or science. Most often, though, changes happen at a slow pace and are accompanied by gradual adoption of new beliefs and practices.
A common feature of most religions is the separation of the world into two comprehensive domains: one that is sacred, and the other that is profane. Religious traditions generally attempt to sanctify and reify the sacred domain through moral codes that outline relationships believers should cultivate with themselves, other believers, outsiders, and the supernatural.
The study of religion is a central component of the NCSS curriculum, and is part of the global contexts and civic engagement strand of the C3 Framework. The study of religion helps students to understand global contexts, develop empathy with diverse perspectives, and build skills for civic participation.
There are a number of ways to learn about religion, including reading religious holy books, attending services or festivals, talking to members of the faith community, and practicing rituals. It is also important to remember that all religious communities are made up of ordinary, everyday people. The study of religion also includes examining how these people engage, express, create, and otherwise do religion and spirituality in their everyday lives. This approach to the study of religion has been referred to as a fourth C, adding a material dimension to Smart’s classic three-sided model of true, beautiful, and good. This is an important distinction, because it allows us to recognize the contributions of people’s bodies, habits, physical culture, and social structures to their religious beliefs and practices.