Religion relates to the belief in an invisible, supernatural Being or Beings who control worldly events and can guide them for man’s weal or woe. It also encompasses the observance of religious rituals and ethical conduct. It can involve a feeling of helplessness in the face of life’s hardships and the recognition of one’s reliance on God for divine assistance. It can also evoke a sense of awe or adoration when contemplating the immense power and wisdom of God.
In terms of human well-being, believing in a higher power has been shown to decrease stress, depression and anxiety and stabilize emotional variability. Practicing the traditions of religion can also provide structure and give meaning to lives. Some even claim that it can help people cope with death, making them less fearful of it and more accepting of life in general.
There are many different definitions of religion, some based on theology and others based on psychology or sociology. Some argue that it is a social genus that is common to all cultures, while others say that it names a culturally specific phenomenon that arose from the particular history of Western culture and has nothing to do with any reality outside of it.
Some critics have gone so far as to imply that there is no such thing as religion at all, that it is merely an invention of Western culture and should therefore be treated with contempt. However, most scholars take it for granted that the traditions commonly referred to as religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and so on) are indeed religions.