Religion is a system of belief or practice that is based on a common ground. The major religions share many common practices and beliefs. They are a shared ground for action and community. Faith is an exploration of the relationship between experiences and events and making sense of the “big picture.” Religions have different origins, but they all share common values, beliefs, and practices.
The two main types of religion are religion and spirituality. While religion is an organized body of beliefs, spirituality is a personal practice that seeks to connect the individual with the Creator. They both relate to the meaning of life and the connection to others. Religion is the most common form of religion. Spirituality is an expression of the human desire to find meaning in life and be a part of something greater.
Religious practices and beliefs are not the only factors influencing the lives of Europeans. There are also a large number of people in the region who do not identify as religious. More than half of the European population (53%) does not identify as religious or spiritual. A significant majority of nonreligious people believe that there is no higher power or soul. However, these people reject the notion that religion helps them choose what is right and what is wrong.
Religious groups make up eight percent to eleven percent of the population, with a higher proportion of women than men. These groups are mostly concentrated in the South and West and are dominated by Baby Boomers and Gen-Xers.