Religion, as defined by Webster's Dictionary, is a belief in and reverence for a supernatural power accepted as the creator and governor of the universe (Houghton Mifflin, 2001). That said, there is no commonly accepted definition of religion. Different people and different experts have different views on religion. Many people associate this religion with the belief in an entity usually described as God. But then different religions and even people belonging to a formally defined religion can have different views on the nature of God. The one thing all religions have in common is that they all aim to guide individual behavior in directions believed to lead to their personal good as well as that of society at large. Unlike other social institutions, history has proven that religion can bring people together on a global scale (Powell, 2009). Whether your experience is limited to diversity in the United States of America or direct observations abroad, religion or opinion in one form or another, religion is instilled and deeply ingrained in all. In a functionalist view, religion provides purpose and purpose for a society and helps its leaders control society. In other words, it helps the company stay on the path its leaders believe is important or appropriate. Practicing, praying, or preaching a religious belief contributes to the norms of a society, perhaps primarily to the mores of a society (Schaefer, 2009). Since the religion itself generally requires its followers to practice ideologies of peace and submit to their god and leaders, this helps society remain passive on a global level. Many religions practiced today are rooted in customs, traditions, a...... middle of paper ...... ally, religion is a way of explaining the universe and how you should live your life. Whether your religious experience is limited or extensive, it plays an important role in how you live in your society. This is where the laws and rules of your government began, and it is deeply rooted in how you treat and perceive people in your community or culture. Works Cited by Houghton Mifflin. (2001). Webster's New College Dictionary II. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. Powell, J.M. (April 2009). The Catholic Historical Review. THE CRUSADES IN RECENT RESEARCH, pp. 313-319.THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY OF RELIGION. (2009). Journal of Psychology and Theology, 37(1), 72. Retrieved April 21, 2009, from ProQuest Religion Database. (Document ID: 1675034711). Seed, J. (2010). Marx: Guides for the perplexed. London: Continuum International Publishing