The study analyzes the essential and phenomenal dimensions of the cultural existence of religion. The conclusions drawn are an attempt to provide an academic response to questions that are typically the subject of emotional public debate and concern the relationship between religion and human existence in contemporary communities—ethnic groups, nations, states, civilizations, and religious groups. By combining historical and contemporary perspectives, theoretical and socio-pragmatic approaches, and academic and journalistic styles and language, the book will serve as a useful and accessible read for researchers, faculty, and students—historians, philosophers, sociologists, educators, teachers and students, social workers and representatives of state institutions, and human rights organizations.