Religion is a complex, deeply-rooted system of beliefs, practices and traditions that connect people to a higher power, the divine or a transcendent reality. It often encompasses explanations of the origin of the universe, the purpose of life and human existence. Moreover, religion can be a source of moral guidance and a framework for social organization. There are many different religions in the world, ranging from Christianity and Islam to Hinduism and Buddhism.

There is no single definition of religion, and even scholars disagree about what it actually consists of. Some see it as a set of beliefs, others take a more inclusive approach that includes both spiritual practice and societal institutions. Still others argue that religion is a social phenomenon, with its own societal structures, values and ethics.

Some anthropologists and archaeologists, who study culture and the human past, believe that religion developed in response to either a biological or a cultural need. The religious impulse, they say, arose from humanity’s self-awareness and its realization that, at some point, it would have to face the fact of its own mortality. This led to a search for a way to avoid death or, failing that, a belief that death could be transformed into a meaningful and pleasant journey.

Other researchers, especially evolutionary biologists and philosophers, argue that religion evolved in order to help humans adapt to a complex and unpredictable environment. The religions, they say, are a human response to the need to cope with death and other dangers. In their view, these responses have evolved along with the human brain, as humans have evolved into more self-aware and conscious beings.

Regardless of how we define religion, there is no doubt that it is a powerful force in the lives of many people. For some, it is a source of strength and comfort; for others, it provides a drug-like escape from the stresses of daily life. While most religions are benign and a positive force in society, some, particularly sects of the major faiths, can be dangerous, even deadly.

There are those who argue that the concept of religion names a real thing, and that its modern semantic expansion went hand in glove with European colonialism. Whether one is a “realist” or not, there is no disputing that religion is an important part of many societies and that it plays a critical role in human history.