What is Religion and Its Role in Society

What is religion? Religions can be explained by possessing beliefs of the nature, purpose of the universe, and supernatural as stated by Webster’s dictionary. Being a supernatural can be, overpowered by a personal God or gods. Religion means a codified set of beliefs, that are invested with sacred things and rules for the behavior of believers who connect a spiritual community. Therefore, in every society, there’s a variety and number of religious organizations that help guide a set of principles for members. Even when, people feel like they're having bad days, for a while they start turning to religion to start getting comfort for the time of crisis. 

First, there are those who have a small religious group. Religions with a small religious group are those who are led by Charismatic leaders. This type is called a cult. The term cult has many meanings. To Jan Groenveld, a cult researcher and author, Christians define a cult that can be differed from traditional orthodox teachings. The definition of a cult can be defined as a small group to others or a sinister. If the cult is religious, then often the group will claim to be one true religion. Religion is set apart by their leadership: amount of authority over their members and the rigidity of their boundaries. For example, a person will need to give up outer freedoms when considering becoming a nun in a Catholic Church. As Pettinger Tejvan, a biographer, says, “To those who are critics, this is a method of an outer and inner discipline that includes ‘cultist’ behavior” (Religions and Cults). This includes religious movements that claim similar teachings with evidence on cult behaviors. 

Usually, larger than a cult a religious organization has churches or other temples on worship's houses of worship. This explains that denomination is the second type of course with religion. Denomination can be clarified as classifications, identifications, or a branch from a religion as stated by Webster’s dictionary. The structure of some denominations has bishops who are regional authorities. Many denominations have seminaries for training ministers. A denomination has a convention that describes processes for electing overseers. Denominations are sub-groups in a religion. For example, a Christian can be Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, Roman Catholic, or Protestant. In a similar way, Judaism has denominations of Orthodox, Reform, and Conservative.

In Islam, Sunni is a denomination; Shia is another. There are many more denominations in the United States alone, but the ones mentioned are some denominations that will tend to run into. In brief sociologists study the religions from every aspect and explain the purpose and role that religion has. 

To conclude the essay, religion's role is to teach its members how to worship and live. Therefore, that’s why religion is such a big part in the current century because it’s connected with societies and human experiences. Religion provides motivation for people to do better in life and work, so there're many types when going into religion.