First, I would like to say, I think this post will be colossal. I have studied religions and philosophies, coming to understand the main, if not only, difference is faith. I think all religions and all philosophies have the best of intentions.
"Religion is a cultural system..."
So it has to be "socially acceptable" in that culture, or won't survive.
"....but religion differs from private belief in that it has a public aspect."
You may be held accountable for more than your private beliefs (as in any society, or fellowship).
"Most religions have organized behaviors, including clerical hierarchies, a definition of what constitutes adherence..."
To keep it simple.
To me it gets as complicated, or more, than politics, as certainly politics are involved.
My religion, and how it affects my recovery?
I will PM you, don't want to start a furor!