The Hindu seeks release from the bondage of Karma, which is the joy or suffering he undergoes as a

result of his actions in his life. The ultimate end of life is to attain Moksha. The Buddhist hopes to attain
Salvation by being absorbed in the Godhead and entering Nirvana. The Christian has a redeemer in
Christ who gave his life for man’s sins.

In short, religion is the institutionalised set of beliefs men hold about supernatural forces. It is more or
less coherent system of beliefs and practices concerning a supernatural order of beings, forces, places or
other entities.

Role or Functions of Religion:

Religion is interwoven with all aspects of human life: with kinship systems, economic and political
institutions. Prior to the advent of what may be called as “the age of reason”, religion has been the chief
supporter of the spiritual and moral values of life. It has shaped domestic, economic and political
institutions. Hence, it is obvious that religion performs a number of functions both for the religious
group and for the wider society. These functions of religion are discussed bellow.

1. Religion Helps in the Struggle for Societal Survival:

Religion may be said to help in the struggle for societal survival. Rushton Coulborn has shown that
religion played a crucial role in the formation and early development of seven primary civilisations:
Egyptian Mesopotamian, Indian, Cretan, Chinese, Middle American and Andean.

Religion in each of these societies gave its members the courage needed for survival in an unfavourable
environment, by giving explanations to certain aspects of the human conditions which could not be
explained in a rational manner. In present societies religion also performs this role.