Religion was one of the most fundamental beliefs throughout history, and religion has served many purposes, but it is clear that the most meaningful one is the use of religion as a coping mechanism during difficult times or changes in society. Every historic society has moments in which the belief in a greater power has prevented chaos and suffering. This belief has prevented and improved many moments of virtual anarchy. Taoism had the warring states period, Islam had wars between the clans, and Christianity had many different moments in which people turned to religion to comprehend the uncontrollable events and changes going on around them. Religion could even be said to have kept many locations under control and subservient to the rules of society, which, in those times, would be considered the rules of your faith. The most important purpose of religion is to help the greater population accept and cope with societies problems or changes. .
The brains abilities are questioned daily, but what some neurologists are curious about is religions affect on the brain. The function of religion is that it is used as a coping mechanism or a crutch for difficult situations. Neurologists have come to the conclusion that "Living with certain knowledge of imminent death leaves [humans] in a perpetual state of anxiety." (The 'God' part of the Brain, Matthew Alper) Religion tells us that there is something greater after death, and no matter what, as long as you are a good person; you will have a good after life. The brains constant struggle for survival creates constant anxiety and unease, but religion is an escape from the brains madness and is reassuring. Every religion mentioned below uses religion to accept different kinds of problems in society. .
Taoism began in a time of political change in China. The Zhou dynasty had just concluded, and China fell into a cycle of anarchy. The Zhou dynasty brought China together, but when the dynast fell apart, the small states that divided China began to go to war.
