Which of these best defines the term "religion"?

The definition of "religion" as a system of beliefs and practices often centered around the understanding of the sacred captures the essence of how religions function across various cultures and traditions. This definition highlights the structured nature of religion, emphasizing that it comprises both beliefs—what adherents hold to be true—and practices—what they do in relation to those beliefs.

The concept of the sacred is fundamental in many religions, as it encompasses the divine, holy, or transcendent elements that devotees regard with reverence. By focusing on the combination of beliefs and practices, this definition also allows for the inclusion of diverse religious expressions, ranging from organized religions with formal doctrines to more individualized interpretations of spirituality that still engage with the idea of the sacred.

Other options present narrower or incomplete perspectives on religion. For instance, defining religion strictly as any personal belief system that does not involve organized practices excludes many communal aspects that are significant in various faith traditions. Limiting the definition to only formal belief systems of Western contexts disregards the rich variety of religious expressions found globally, while describing religion as strictly non-theistic spiritual practices leaves out the many religions that include a belief in deities or a divine presence. Thus, the chosen definition is more comprehensive and reflects the multifaceted nature of