Politics in Religion, Religion in Politics
Politics in Religion, Religion in Politics

Summary/Abstract: In social sciences, there is no consensus on the definition of religion and therefore, defining religion has always been a problematic issue. Yet, it might be possible to argue that; fundamentally, religion is a system of beliefs, rituals and practices, usually institutionalised in one manner or another, which connects this world with the beyond. This system gives all sorts of religions a particular layout, ordinance, and pedestal. Furthermore, religion provides the bridge that allows humans to approach the divine, the universal life force that both encompasses yet transcends the world. More elaborate definitions discuss dimensions of religion that range from the mythical and narrative to the social and material. Religion is a multifaceted phenomenon that has various impacts on the different levels of society, and on internal and external politics. Therefore, it can be seen as an independent, intervening and dependent variable in various types of studies and this structural flexibility brings scholars freedom of specification regarding what religion means.

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