Most people in the world believe that religion means something greater than human existence, that there is life after death, whether it is reincarnation or heaven. Some religions rely on a person leading them, others believe in the supernatural, or some believe in man-made science. In every province around, the world seems to have its own beliefs about religion. There are often many branches of the same religion, depending on where you are in the world. Religion often changes based on the area you live in due to traditions already practiced in that area. When a new religion is implemented in a new area, it is not uncommon to add its own tradition to convince people to believe in it. Although there are many religions around the world and different stories of how these religions begin there, all centered on knowledge. Many of the stories are passed down through religious tradition to teach young people and people who do not believe. In the Bible there are many stories to teach, for example The Tower of Babel, which teaches us that we should not be proud, but ask God for help. These stories are the knowledge and basis of many religions in Western countries. Teachings are the foundation of religion. Buddhism is a path of spiritual practice and development that leads to an understanding of the true nature of reality. Religion is more neutral than one might find in a traditional church. Buddhism must be preserved as something very complex. There are a variety of beliefs, ideas, and norms of human behavior embedded in Buddhist literature. Within the tradition of Buddhism there are variations of the tradition. Elite forms of religion are more intellectualized and more philosophical or theological. People in this elite cast often… center of paper… Buddhism can find more common ground with contemporary agnosticism (p. 17 Batchelor). Batchelor believes that if we look at the awakening of the Buddha it is more of an “awakening culture”. Batchelor doesn't like the word religion, but prefers the word culture. Culture is the foundation of religion. Ultimately, Strong and Batchelor may have different opinions about what it means to be Buddhist, but neither is more right than the other. Batchelor's thinking and book on Buddhism appeal to more modern individuals. John Strong's thinking and book appeal to more traditional Buddhism. Both Strong and Batchelor are equally right about what the foundation of religion is. Religion can be whatever people want it to be and whatever they need it to be. That's why there are so many different types of religion in the world because everyone has different views.