To some people, many objects in our daily lives provide us with opportunities to experience sacred encounters, for instance, when we see a stone, a bottle of water, a tree, an animal, or when we have supper. When a person experiences sacred encounters (pertaining to or connected with the divine) from a particular medium, the medium is reputed to be a form of "sacredness" and hence it becomes a sacred symbol.

The sacred symbols make it possible for people to experience sacredness from the profane. Each religion has its own sacred symbols. Some abstract symbols are known as God, saint, prophet or spirit of superpower. For concrete symbols, to give two examples, the Cross is a representation of Jesus crucified and a talisman purchased from a temple represents a higher power's blessing for believers.

Religious beliefs refer to people's faith in the sacred and the faith is often blended with devout attitude. People often seek for God's protection because they believe that the supernatural power would help them make a fortune and avoid disaster.

Religious beliefs explain the meaning of life. They also provide directives for how we live in this world and in the afterlife.

Religious communities are gatherings of individuals who adopt common religion, habits, and practices. They adopt the teachings from a specific religious belief; for instance, some communities adopt vegetarianism as a practice of respecting sentient life.