What is the definition of religion?

The definition of religion as a system of beliefs and practices related to the sacred or divine captures the essence of what constitutes religious tradition and experience. This definition emphasizes not only the belief component but also the practical aspect of religion, which includes rituals, worship, and moral codes that guide behavior.

Beliefs are foundational to any religion, as they provide followers with a framework for understanding the world, existence, the divine, and morality. Practices often manifest in rituals, ceremonies, and communal worship, which serve to reinforce and express those beliefs. The sacred or divine can refer to a variety of entities or concepts, ranging from gods, spiritual forces, or ultimate realities, thereby encapsulating a broad spectrum of religious expressions across different cultures.

In contrast, while other choices present valid concepts related to aspects of society and community, they do not specifically address the critical elements of beliefs and practices that are central to the definition of religion. For instance, a community sharing similar values does not inherently make them a religious group, as shared values can exist in secular contexts as well. Similarly, a philosophy aimed at understanding human existence does not necessarily include elements of the sacred or divine, and a social organization based on cultural practices may lack the belief systems or rituals that define a religion