Religion as a Meaning System: Implications for the New Millennium

Abstract

Every human action, ranging from benevolence to inhumane violence has been justified in the name of religion, which has been a pervasive feature of human life throughout history. This article describes religion as a meaning system that is unique in centering on what is perceived as sacred, and in its special ability to address the quest for meaning. The article recommends the meaning system approach for the study of religion, suggesting that this approach can illuminate the resiliency of religion, and its complicated relations with individual and societal well‐being. It describes the outline of the volume, and concludes with recommendations for research, education, and policies in the arena of religion that can facilitate well‐being in the new millennium.