Organized religion is the formal, structured way in which belief systems, spiritual doctrines and rituals are organized into a set of structured code, belief systems and hierarchical framework. Often thought of in terms of a specific dogma or set of rules, this framework can provide a sense of order and a shared identity for those within the group, helping to create social cohesion, psychological bonds and purposeful behaviour. Organized religion is a powerful tool for achieving a state of collective communion and communion with higher force, and can provide a sense of structure, control, and stability in times of difficulty and uncertainty.
See also: soul force, radical hope, peak experience, communitas, mystical experience