God, ethics, community or what?
Statue of Christ, Rio de Janeiro
Similar ideas underpin many of the religions found in the world, although they may be expressed in very different ways. The word 'religion' comes from the Latin religio, which means 'duty', and religions often impose rules on their followers.
Spirituality
A vital part of many religions is belief in the individual's spirit or soul as an entity which is distinct from the body and mind. This spirit is immortal and, after physical death, continues its existence in an invisible spiritual world, where it may be punished or rewarded for deeds performed during life. Followers of a religion often lead their lives in a prescribed way in order to be allowed to enter the spiritual realm after death.
Another key concept in most religions is belief in one or more higher beings who, as creators of the universe, have power over nature and the lives of people. These beings are often worshipped, and may be named deities or seen as unimaginable sources of absolute power.
Many religions offer their followers answers to philosophical questions about topics such as how and why the universe came into existence, the purpose of life and the best way to live it, and what happens after death.
