Religion is a set of beliefs and traditions that people abide by. There are many different religions around the world. People may find value in some religions over others, and in some cases, the two may be incompatible.
One of the most important purposes of religion is to bring people together. The goal is to help them feel connected to one another, and to the divine. It also provides a base for action and a means for learning about a belief system.
Historically, a number of definitions of religion have been made, from religion as the religious practices of ancient Egypt to the use of religious texts in the modern day. Some of these have been hard to distinguish from more recent conceptions of spirituality.
A good example of the religious versus the spiritual is the use of rituals. Religions have rules and regulations governing the way we dress, speak, and act. These can be confusing and deceptive, as well as harmful.
Spirituality, on the other hand, is a holistic pursuit. While it may not have a measurable effect, it can enhance your life in other ways.
For instance, it can eliminate sources of unhappiness. Also, it can help you make the best of your time on Earth.
In fact, a small number of people are spiritually aware but not religious. This phenomenon is known as functional outsiders. They have higher convictions about teachings than practicing Christians, but shirk the actual definition of religion.