When I was little, my neighbors invited me to go to church with them. I did, and I liked it. I liked the building, and the cookies they gave out, and being an angel in the Christmas play. I learned about stories from the Bible — the burning bush, the great flood — the whole shebang. I celebrated Christmas and Easter (and still do).

As a kid, the stories from the Bible were just fun to listen to. But I never thought about the bigger picture.

Now, I’m a bit more questioning. What is religion?

For some people, it’s a way of life, and the benefit is a community of support. Others turn to religion when they’re confronted with a crisis. For some, religion is something to scoff at, something that seems irrational and lacking proof.

Some form of religion exists and is a shaping force of all societies. Is this a good thing?

Religion inspired some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring art, music, and architecture in the whole world — just look at the Hagia Sofia, the music of Purcell, and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Charities are often based off a religion — the Salvation Army, for example.

But it’s not all good. Differences in religious beliefs have spawned some of the most appalling violence in history, for example, the Crusades, and more generally, extermination of people based on their religious beliefs. Many religions oppress women, and do not necessarily treat their adherents any better. You stick to the rules, or you get excommunicated — or doomed to hell — very fast.

Yet, most people belong to some religion. Why? What do they get out of it?

What does it mean to be religious? Why do people believe? What does it mean to be spiritual? Is being religious and being spiritual the same thing?

How would the world be different if there were no religions?