ABSTRACT
Any religion is a many-faceted thing and cannot be fully understood without some appreciation of all of its varied aspects. All religions prescribe certain actions that a member in good standing should perform, and certain beliefs that should be held. There is also usually a list of actions that should not be taken, and beliefs considered heretical. There is ordinarily a specialized language for talking about religious actions and beliefs. Religions often specify musical forms, particular articles of clothing, and other ritual objects that help to indicate when one is involved in a sacred activity. Religions also typically identify some people as unique and important links to the divine or sacred—mystics, priests, rabbis, monks, and so forth.
