What is religion? Well, according to the Dictionary it is "a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of one or more superhuman entities, which usually involve devotional and ritual observances and often contain a moral code". govern the conduct of human affairs." But for a person who practices a religion it is much more than this definition, it is a lifestyle. So what about atheists? What do they believe? Well, many of them believe in this definition, in fact most of them believe it. But some believe that even if they don't believe in religion itself, it serves a bigger picture other than what the definition says. YES! Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, Karl Marx all have theories about why religion is more than just gods and rituals. Emile Durkheim defined religion as having some necessary components, that is, a unified structure of beliefs with organized practices built around beliefs sacred to its followers. He also said that in each religion objects, places and events were divided into two realms, being Sacred and Profane. Sacred elements are connected to religion and are elements that inspire awe, respect and sometimes even fear in the believer of that religion. If people wish to become part of the sacred realm, they perform some kind of ritual such as prayer or sacrifice. Because people have faith, they begin to accept things they don't understand or can't explain. In the opposite realm, profanity is just the normal things in everyday life like wooden planks, tables, and buildings, but that doesn't mean that an object that was once part of the profane realm can't be part of the sacred realm. ...... middle of paper ...... this phenomenon very well, “A “stained glass ceiling” tends to hinder the career development of women clergy, even in the most liberal denominations.” So what is religion? Religion is more than an institution of rituals and beliefs, it is more than going to church on Sunday, it is more than praying 5 times a day facing Mecca. Religion is a powerful tool for governments. Religion creates a sense of unity that unites all people within that religion, but it can also have the opposite effect. It can cause wars between two opposing religions. Religion is also an inhibitor according to Karl Marx. It halts the progress of many social classes or slows the progress of women's rights. Even though all of these people were atheists, everyone could still see the huge impact religion had on our society and how it made us into the whole people we are today..