imo religion serves the purpose of entraining the psyche to a particular set of values through repetition, which brings about a correspondingly habitual behavioural pattern. one can practice this alone or in a group, but the point remains the same, to change/reinforce personal behaviour in alignment with one's values.

*belief* on the other hand is not a necessary component (and in fact is not emphasized in the vast majority of the world's non-abrahamic religions; see "orthopraxy"). it is a pointless exercise that has demonstrably lead to world-wide violent mass delusions and genocide. the emphasis on belief is inimical to the actual point of religion, to align personal behaviour in accordance with wholesome life affirming values.