Religion is a set of beliefs, morals and practices that a group of people follow. It is a social-cultural system that includes worldviews, texts, designated behaviors and sanctified places.
The main purpose of religion is to bring about spirituality, to create a shared understanding of how people should live their lives. Religion often promises rewards for following rituals or other rules and punishments for breaking them. In addition, it offers an emotional support network for those who share the same religious beliefs.
Generally, religion is defined as a social-cultural system, but it also includes the individual’s worldview and beliefs. People who practice religion usually believe in a higher power, a supernatural being that they can trust to provide guidance. They may also have beliefs about reincarnation, fate, destiny, and supernatural phenomena.
Some religions require the observance of rules or rituals, such as the rituals performed by Alcoholics Anonymous, or the belief in a god that governs the universe. Other forms of religion are devoted to moral codes. Religious institutions and organizations are structured, and they can provide good publicity.
Spirituality, on the other hand, is more personal and focuses on discovering one’s own truth. It often involves a sense of transcendence, and can be a solitary experience. It can take the form of rituals or a solitary meditation.
A spiritual person’s beliefs evolve over time as they learn about themselves and their own experiences. They may develop their own religious faith or may adhere to traditional religions.