Religion is any established method or organization that endeavors to understand the universe in which we live and what purposes this life and the universe in which we live fulfill. Conversely, religion also involves something that needs no establishment — that of an individuals personal relationship with the universe and life.
Although there is no set definition of what a religion must consist of, there are some common characteristics shared by many religions, most of which originate from relation and historical beginnings.
Deity
Frequently, religion is based on a belief in some greater entity or entities, often deity, that has established the universe and brought life to the Earth. Commonly these beings are reffered to as Gods.
Form
Among religions that believe in deity, beliefs are varied as to what forms such a being takes. Some religions suggest that such a being exists soley as an energy, often permeating the whole of the universe, others as a spirit, and some that of a body of flesh and bone, like our own.
Relation
Religions differ in belief as to what relation we have with deity. One common belief is that God is the spiritual Father of humanity.
Humanity
For the most part religion strives to define who and what a human is, as well as why - seemingly the defining question of religion.
Creation
Why humans exist most commonly is the starting point of religions and therefore, creation is often discussed as it helps to define whether there is purpose in life. In this regard, religion is commonly suggested to conflict with science, but it may be seen that science and religion are but twins — both striving to understand existence.
A majority of established religions believe that all things are and were created by deity, and that therefore, there is purpose in the existence of man. This commonly accepted belief has it's alternative - that of a creation by chance. This controversy has continued to be a strongly debated issue since before Darwin published his The Origin of Species in 1859, introducing a plausible mechanism for human evolution, though he felt that his theory was not in direct opposition.
Organization
One facet of most religions today is the presence of some sort of structure - a guideline or foundation upon which belief is based. Religions vary in organization; some having seemingly none whatsoever and others with governing bodies, written rules - or commandments, and established records.