Religija

Religija, or religion, is a system of beliefs, practices, and institutions related to the sacred, divine, or transcendent. It often addresses ultimate questions about meaning, origin, and morality, and structures the way communities worship and organize themselves around shared convictions.

Etymology: The term derives from Latin religio, meaning reverence or obligation; across cultures the concept encompasses a wide range of traditions from organized churches to informal spiritual paths.

Core elements: Beliefs about ultimate reality, sacred narratives, rituals and worship, ethical codes, religious institutions, sacred texts, and communities of practice. Many traditions include ritual calendars, rites of passage, prayer, and rites of initiation.

History and diversity: Religions emerged in early human societies and diversified into major traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, as well as numerous indigenous and syncretic faiths. They have influenced law, politics, art, and education, and have also been a source of conflict and conflict resolution.

Contemporary context: In many countries religion intersects with public life, law, and education. Modern scholarship distinguishes between theology (belief-based study) and religious studies (comparative, historical, and sociological approaches). Secularization, pluralism, and freedom of belief shape contemporary religious landscapes.