Religion is a multifaceted social-cultural system encompassing behaviors, practices, ethics, morals, beliefs, worldviews, texts, sanctified places, prophecies, and organizations that generally relate humanity to supernatural, transcendental, and spiritual elements. Originating in the 1200s, the term stems from Old French and Anglo-Norman, signifying respect for what is right, moral obligation, sanctity, and reverence. It is derived from the Latin word "religio.". While there is no universal scholarly consensus on a precise definition of religion, it is considered an essentially contested concept. Religions may include elements of the divine, sacredness, faith, and supernatural beings.
Globally, major religions include Christianity (28.8%), Islam (25.6%), Hinduism (14.9%), and Buddhism (4.10%). Approximately 24.2% of the global population remains religiously unaffiliated. Current trends indicate a decline in religious affiliation in some regions, with a rise in the number of people who do not identify with any particular religion. This shift is observed across countries with Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim majorities. Despite this, religion continues to play a significant role in society, influencing art, literature, and world history.
