Religion

  Relation of human beings to God or the gods or to whatever they consider sacred or, in some cases, mere

  Relation of human beings to God or the gods or to whatever they consider sacred or, in some cases, merely supernatural. Any of various oath-bound societies devoted to brotherhood (or sisterhood), moral discipline, and mutual assistance. Archaeological evidence suggests that religious beliefs have existed since the first human communities. They are generally shared by a community, and they express the communal culture and values through myth, doctrine, and ritual. Worship is probably the most basic element of religion, but moral conduct, right belief, and participation in religious institutions also constitute elements of the religious life. Societies usually conduct rituals of initiation to instruct new members in the rules of the group (see rite of passage). Greek and Roman mystery religions had their secular counterparts in clandestine social clubs, some of which served as platforms for political dissent. In West Africa secret societies such as Poro (for men) and Sande (for women) serve to translate slight advantages of wealth and prestige into political authority. In parts of New Guinea secret men's societies serve as repositories of tribal knowledge.

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