It isn't uncommon even among atheists to simply assume that religion and theism are equivalent. The basic premise here is that the only values which ultimately matter are those which are transcendent, and such values can only be perceived and understood through religious tradition and a connection with the divine. The first basic element of religion is the belief that there are supernatural powers. The Christian has a redeemer in Christ who gave his life for man’s sins. Merely changing beliefs is not enough. Religion encourages people to render services to the needy and poor and promote their welfare. Is philosophy a religious activity? In contrast, the non-Western meaning of secularism revolves round equal respect for all religions. James defined the basics of all religion, including natural religion, when he wrote: "Were one to characterize the life of religion in the broadest and most general terms possible, one might say that it exists of the belief that there is an unseen order, and that our supreme good lies in harmoniously adjusting ourselves hereto.". Emile Durkheim argues that religion is comprised of the sacred elements of social life. It has been exerting tremendous influence upon political and economic aspects of life. He claims that science not only explained many facts of life and the material environment in a way more satisfactory (than religion), but it also provided confirmation of its explanation in practical results. All these criticisms are formidable indeed. Throughout classical South Asia, the study of law consisted of concepts such as penance through piety and ceremonial and practical traditions. Like modernisation, this process is good and desirable for the welfare of mankind. Those who stand outside of religion, however, will notice some very important similarities which bear closer consideration. The process of secularisation as the most important component of the process of modernisation is occurring in different forms in various contemporary societies. 1.Nature of Religion – Oxford Q’s. ‘Secularisation’, in the words of Peter Berger, refers to ‘the process by which sectors of society and culture are removed from the domination of religious institutions and symbols. They have emphasized sacrifice and forbearance. By faith man is distinguished from other beings. Religion vs. Natural religion might have the following meanings: The basic tenets of natural religion were outlined by Aristotle, whose hylomorphism considered all things as made of matter and form. Read more about superstition and religion. That is, man is persuaded through suffering or through false teaching to project what is his to a supernatural being. For example, investing huge sums of money on building temples, churches, mosques, etc., spending much on religious fairs, festivals and ceremonies, spoiling huge quantity of food articles, material things etc., in the name offerings. Change is the very essence of a living thing. [1] Nature religions include indigenous religions practiced in various parts of the world by cultures who consider the environment to be imbued with spirits and other sacred entities. It is more or less coherent system of beliefs and practices concerning a supernatural order of beings, forces, places or other entities.