Religion is a cultural system of beliefs and behaviors that has a significant impact on many aspects of social concern and policy. Legislators should seek constitutionally appropriate ways to explore the impact of religious practice and, where possible, recognize its role in society.

Anthropologists believe that early religion developed in part as a human attempt to control uncontrollable parts of the environment, such as weather and success in hunting. Two different types of attempts were made to do this: manipulation through magic and supplication through religion. Magic sought to directly control the environment through a series of rituals; religion attempted to control it by appealing to gods and goddesses.

Most religions have as their primary goal the salvation of the souls of humans, either in a literal sense, through a place called heaven after death, or in a more symbolic way, such as the attainment of nirvana in Buddhism. They also usually deal with spiritual matters, have sacred books and symbols, a clergy or priesthood that administers them, and places, days and symbols that are considered holy to followers.

Sociologist Emil Durkheim theorized that religion serves a very important need in the life of human beings. He believed that people need faith and meaning in their lives, and they are willing to live and even die for what they value. Religion provides the source of that valuation and the means for transmitting it from one generation to the next.