“What Is Religion?“

5 Pages 1145 Words

Humans are intrinsically curious and inquisitive creatures. Since the beginning of human existence on earth, cultures of people have sought to answer questions about the purpose of life, the world around them, and how they should go about living their lives. Religion, in its many forms, has sought to answer these questions and provide relief for human beings that are constantly questioning the world around them.
It is very difficult to define the word “Religion” in one accurate, composite definition because of the many different forms religion takes in different countries and civilizations. Webster's New World Dictionary defines religion as: "any specific system of belief and worship, often involving a code of ethics and a philosophy." However, this definition does not encompass all things that various religions provide to their followers. Many religions also involve the worship of some sort of god or deity, provide followers with a system of organized worship, and tell creation stories (myths about the creation of the earth, nature, and the appearance of human beings and animals on earth).
I believe religion can be defined very briefly by stating that “Religion is a framework.” Religion is a framework upon which people all around the world build their beliefs about life, death, the proper way to go about living life, etc. Religions provide instinctually curious and confused people with a structured framework upon which it is possible to build a way of life.
The framework religion provides is important because it offers a perspective, a view, something to base ones own thoughts about the world on. This is why religions were originally established thousands of years ago; to provide order and perspective. A world without any sort of organized religion or system of beliefs would be chaotic. People inherently need structure, they need organization, they need guidance, and they need to know where they came from and what will happ...