What is the link between religion and society?

Answer 1

Traditionally, religion was used to define ethnicity. If you belonged to a particular society, you belonged to that society's religion, and vice versa. Others were outsiders and could be opposed. With the development of empires, this structure began to break down, and religions became universal, rather than 'ethnic'.

Religion is still used to divide societies and even to create divisions within a pluralistic society, because each adherent believes other beliefs are wrong and some even believe other beliefs should be eliminated, by force if necessary.

In order to survive, religions have to demonstrate real benefits for their adherents. In former times, these included the provision of good crops or the defeat of enemies. Gradually, religions began to see their role in society to assist the poor and needy.