1. (from: http://anthro.palomar.edu/culture/culture_1.htm)
Religion
(from:

2. What is Religion?
Religion: is a system of beliefs usually involving the worship of supernatural forces or a supernatural being
It provides order and meaning in an otherwise seemingly chaotic universe and explains the inexplicable

3. Rituals in Religion
Rituals are stylized and repetitive acts that take place in a set time and location
Involve use of symbolic objects and words and actions
E.g.: going to church on Sunday

4. E.g.: partaking in the host
Most religious rituals are performed in a special placer and under special circumstances (e.g.: a temple)
Intentionally separates the secular from the sacred and enhances the ritual
Likewise, only allowing the initiated to participate has an enhancing effect
Rituals reinforce the basic principles or beliefs of the religion
E.g.: partaking in the host

5. Non-religious Rituals
Not all rituals are religious
E.g.: brushing your teeth
Nonetheless, the good feeling one gets from practicing the ritual reinforces the continuation of it, just like religious practices
Political ideologies have rituals that can be important for people
They include symbolic political objects and acts
E.g.: national anthem

6. Psychological and Social Function of Religion
Religion fulfills psychological needs
Help us confront and explain death
Relieve our fears and anxieties about the unknown
People may appeal to the supernatural in times of crisis both personal and otherwise

7. Religion also provides divinely given moral codes by with to live by
Most rites of passage have religious elements in order for people to adjust to life changes
Religion also provides divinely given moral codes by with to live by
This can lift some burden in moral decision making in difficult times and provide psychological relief

8. Religion also fulfills social needs
Religion reinforces social homogeneity and provides a basis for common purpose and values that can maintain social solidarity

9. Provides social control by defining what is right and wrong behaviour
If individuals do the right thing they earn the approval of the gods and may suffer supernatural retribution if they do the wrong thing
E.g.: the Koran not only provides detailed lists of specific crimes but also has descriptions of how to do everyday tasks like eating specific types of food
The sacred texts usually provide the precedents of proper behaviour in common situations

10. Common Elements of Religion
Usually, beliefs in supernatural beings and forces fall into one of five categories
Animatism
Animism
Ancestral spirits
Gods or goddesses
Minor supernatural beings