Defining the Nature of Religion: Definitions of religion tend to suffer from one of two problems: they are either too narrow and exclude many belief systems which most agree are religions, or they are too vague and ambiguous, [ suggesting that just about anything and everything is a religion. A better way to explain the nature of religion is to identify basic characteristics common to religions. These characteristics may be shared with other belief systems, but taken together they make religion distinct. Belief in Supernatural Beings: Belief in the supernatural, especially gods, is one of the most obvious characteristics of religion. It’s so common, in fact, that some people mistake mere theism for religion itself; yet that is incorrect. Theism can occur outside of religion and some religions are atheistic. Despite this, supernatural beliefs are a common and fundamental aspect to most religions, while the existence of supernatural beings is almost never stipulated in non-religious belief systems. Sacred vs Profane Objects, Places, Times: Distinguishing between the sacred and the profane is common and important enough in religions that some scholars of religion, notably Mircea Eliade, have argued that this distinction should be considered the defining characteristic of religion. The creation of such a distinction can help direct believers to focus on transcendental values and supernatural, but hidden, aspects of the world around us. Sacred times, places, and object remind us that there is more to life than what we see. Ritual Acts Focused on Sacred Objects, Places, Times: Of course, merely noting the existence of the sacred usually isn’t sufficient. If a religion emphasizes the sacred, then it will also emphasize ritual acts involving the sacred. Special actions must occur at sacred times, in sacred places, and/or with sacred objects. These rituals serve to unite members of the current religious community not just with each other, but also with their ancestors and their descendants. Rituals can be important components of any social group, religious or not. Moral Code With Supernatural Origins: Few religions don’t include some sort of basic moral code in their teachings