Religion is a system of beliefs, values, rituals and worship that are shared by many people. It typically centres around a single divine being that followers show devotion to through prayer, reading of holy texts and celebrations across the year.
It gives meaning to life, supports worshipers in difficult life situations and creates a sense of community amongst its members.
Religious practices also provide social support in a world that is changing rapidly and often leaves worshipers feeling lonely and isolated. This sense of community and shared values helps foster a strong feeling of unity among the population, reduces conflicts and promotes social cohesion.
Millions of people define themselves by their religious belief, whether it is a personal god or a supernatural force, and draw strength from it in hard times. Patients with a serious illness, people in prison or poverty, soldiers and people who have suffered through abuse all use their faith to help them deal with their challenges.
It offers a hope of eternal salvation and explains the meaning of life, as well as giving us a moral framework to live by and a place to turn to when things get tough.
There are many ways that religion can improve your life, but the most important is that it provides you with a spiritual foundation to help you cope with difficult circumstances and make positive decisions in your life. Research shows that people who have a strong faith experience better health, less stress, and are happier than those who do not.