While a multitude of definitions of religion exist, two examples serve to illustrate a connection between religion and hope. Paul Tillich (1973) viewed religion in terms of being grasped by an "ultimate concern." This definition permits sports, political ideologies, fashion, etc. to qualify as religions. Whatever one chooses as one's ultimate concern gives purpose to existence. William James suggested that religion "consists of the belief that there is an unseen order, and that our supreme good lies in harmoniously adjusting ourselves thereto" (James, 1902/1961, p. 59). Using this definition, purpose comes from living in harmony with the transcendent, the "unseen order." Characteristics of particular religions generally include statements about life after death and a code of conduct. Both of these lend themselves to finding purpose in this life.
Religion, I believe, can assist with the process of meaning-making. Certainly not everyone looks to religion for meaning, and some individuals are more comfortable with the term "spirituality" than with "religion." Hope, however, is a central feature of religious traditions around the world, and in the following section five traditions are briefly addressed. In particular, I draw upon S. Mijares' edited volume Modern Psychology and Ancient Wisdom: Psychological Healing Practices from the World's Religious Traditions (2003) to include a personal healing perspective.
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