Religion — Meaning, Definition, and How This Core Value Shapes Your Life
What Is Religion as a Core Value?
Religion centers on devotion, faith practices, and community rooted in shared beliefs. People high in Religion orient decisions through spiritual doctrine and ritual.
Why Religion Matters
Honoring Religion helps you:
- anchor meaning and moral guidance,
- cultivate supportive faith communities,
- sustain hope and resilience,
- practice gratitude and reverence.
How Religion Shows Up (High vs. Low Expression)
High Expression
- observes rituals consistently,
- references doctrine in choices,
- engages in service and fellowship,
- finds strength in prayer/meditation.
Low Expression
- keeps faith compartmentalized,
- rarely participates in community,
- treats practice as optional symbols,
- neglects spiritual exploration.
Common Challenges of High Religion
- tension with secular norms,
- potential rigidity toward differing beliefs,
- conflict in pluralistic settings,
- guilt or shame from strict rules.
Religion in Conflict With Other Values
Religion vs. Freedom
Freedom favors self-directed norms; Religion follows spiritual obligations.
Tension: personal discretion vs. sacred duty.
Religion vs. Independence
Independence resists external authority; Religion submits to higher guidance and community standards.
Tension: autonomous choice vs. devotional commitment.
Examples of Religion in Daily Life
- Scheduling around holy days.
- Tithing or charitable giving per doctrine.
- Participating in communal worship.
- Applying faith ethics to business decisions.