I n this tutorial, you will learn about the religious experience in general and some of its variations around the world. The focus will be on the types of religious beliefs and religious leaders, especially in small-scale societies. An exploration of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, or any other major religion is beyond the scope of this tutorial. A religion is a system of beliefs usually involving the worship of supernatural forces or beings .
Religious beliefs provide shape and meaning to one's perception of the universe.
In other words, they provide a sense of order in what might otherwise be seen as a chaotic existence. Religions also provide understanding and meaning for inexplicable events such as a loved one being killed in an earthquake or some other unpredictable force of nature. For most religious people, their beliefs about the supernatural are at the very core of their world views . Rituals are stylized and usually repetitive acts that take place at a set time and location . They almost always involve the use of symbolic objects, words, and actions.