Religion is the voluntary subjection of the mind and soul to a Divine being or Beings, acknowledging his absolute supremacy and the dependence of all things on him. It is, on the subjective side, the perception of a supreme Being, conceived as the ultimate source of good and evil, of all that is, and of all that will be; of a love for the Deity prompted by this recognition; and on the objective side, it is the recognition of this dependence by acts of homage.
In lower grades of culture, man is apt to feel helpless in the presence of the forces of nature and to believe that they are under a supreme control and that it is He who directs them for our weal or woe. Hence, he looks to the Deity for protection and guidance. He hopes to find a blissful communion with the Divine Being and is led, voluntarily, to perform certain acts of homage in the hope of obtaining this result. In the highest religions, however, the conception of the Deity as a personality inviting confidence and inspiring hope is raised to the supernatural plane, and this gives rise to devotion.
A general feeling of reverence and awe for the immensity of God’s power and wisdom evokes fear and remorse, and the consciousness that one has offended and estranged the Supreme Being leads to sorrow and desire for reconciliation. The granting of benefits by the Deity prompts thankfulness, and the love that springs from the contemplation of the Divine Being’s beauty and excellence is the crowning emotion of religion.
Most religions have a mythological basis and are characterized by a belief in the supernatural and a system of beliefs, practices, and rituals that is believed to lead to an afterlife. They are also generally concerned with morality and have often provided the foundation for social welfare networks throughout history. For many people who profess a religion, the practical aspects of it are more important than its spiritual components. They like the weekly, sometimes daily, routine that religious services and ceremonies provide them, and they get strength from their sense of community. They also like the structure of their faith and the stability that it provides in a turbulent world. This is especially true in modern times where research has found that being religious can help you live longer and healthier. However, it is important to note that you do not need to be affiliated with a religion to reap these benefits. The key is to seek out healthy behaviors and connect with others to develop a support system. This will help you avoid depression and anxiety and manage stress. This can be done by exercising, getting enough sleep and avoiding unhealthy foods and alcohol.