Define "religion" in the context of academic study.

Defining "religion" in the context of academic study as a system of beliefs, practices, and values regarding the divine encapsulates the multifaceted nature of religious phenomena. This definition acknowledges that religion involves a structured framework of ideas and doctrines (beliefs), rituals and actions performed in accordance with those beliefs (practices), and the ethical dimensions that guide adherents' behavior and interaction with the transcendent or divine (values).

This broad understanding captures not just the individual aspects of faith and practice, but also how these elements intertwine to shape communal and personal experiences of the divine. The inclusion of divine belief indicates that religion often involves a perceived relationship with a higher power or spiritual reality, which is a key element in many religious traditions.

In contrast, other options provide a more limited or arguably inaccurate view. Defining religion merely as a cultural phenomenon without sacred basis diminishes the essential aspect of spirituality or transcendence common to most religions. Viewing religion solely as a set of moral codes ignores the rich variety of rituals, narratives, and community practices that characterize religious traditions. Lastly, specifying religion as a social institution requiring a physical establishment overlooks numerous belief systems that exist without formal structures or locations, such as many indigenous spiritualities and personal belief systems