Religion is a system of behaviors, practices and ethics that help people cope with life’s challenges.
Throughout history, religions have played an important role in society. They influence culture, politics and literature, for example.
Some of the most well-known religions are Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism. They are also found in a wide range of cultures and regions, for example in Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
A number of scientific studies have shown that the regular practice of religion improves people’s ability to cope with stress and anxiety, enhances their learning, health, economic wellbeing, social control and self-esteem, and reduces the incidence of crime, delinquency, drug and alcohol addiction, out-of-wedlock births and mental health problems.
What’s more, religious people are more likely to be married and less likely to be divorced and single. They are also more likely to be satisfied in their marriages and have higher levels of happiness.
There is an enormous amount of aid work worldwide that is done in the name of religions – medical aid, food aid, clean water ministries and countless other charitable organizations are run largely by people with religious beliefs. This work is vital to many poor countries, where poverty is often a major issue and religion is a powerful coping mechanism.