Religion is a socially-contextual system, usually defined as a set of organized beliefs. It includes morals, worldviews, sanctified places, prophecies, and designated behaviors. These are often shared by the community and are documented.
Traditionally, religion has been associated with tradition, faith, and belief. The goal of religion is to unite people, build character, and promote spirituality. In addition to these functions, it also serves as a supportive social network.
Religion and spirituality are different, but they are both points on a spectrum of belief systems. Both can be beneficial, but their benefits and drawbacks differ.
One of the primary factors in religion is fear of punishment. People who practice religion fear that they will have to pay for their actions after they die. While some religions offer rewards for following specific rituals and behaviors, others promise severe punishment for not doing so.
Often, the rules of a religion are defined ahead of time. Members of a religious group often follow a specified dress code and moral codes. They also base their values on the beliefs of the religious organization. Those who participate in a religious community may feel obligated to share their beliefs with others. However, in many cases, they may struggle with inner conflicts.
Similarly, people who are spiritual often strive to understand the concept of God. They also struggle to connect with other people. A growing body of research links spirituality and distress. Having a spiritual form of coping can predict health better than a secular form of coping.