Religion can be described as a social institution built around the idea of ​​one or more supernatural beings and the relationship of human beings with them. Additionally, religion provides individuals with a belief that they understand their existence as well as an emotional support network in times of distress. Additionally, religious institutions provide individuals with a good outlook in life and establish values. Religion involves three major aspects: A conception of the nature and character of divinity (2) A set of principles concerning the duties and obligations between divinity and humanity. (3) A set of patterns of behavior designed to conform to God's will (Thorman, 154). The theme of the panopticon is to assert and maintain power by being invisible. In Christianity, God, invisible, is a supernatural being with infinite power. Furthermore, the Holy Bible reaffirms this power and establishes harmony among civilians. The social institution of religion is a form of panopticon system in which individuals are compelled to act accordingly. In Michel Foucault's Discipline and Punish, he examines the role of the panopticon in the prison system in the 18th century. The panopticon was a method of maintaining power and ensuring the good behavior of prisoners. The panopticon is described as a central tower where whoever is in power can monitor the surroundings. Around the central tower are cells containing prisoners. The inmates are unable to communicate with each other. Additionally, the prisoners are unable to distinguish whether it is a guard on duty watching their every move. The architectural design of the panopticon gives the upper hand to the guards or those in power. Due to the inability of prisoners to determine if someone ...... middle of paper ...... should follow a set of rules and guidelines given for fear of punishment. Works Cited Thorman, Donald J. “The Sociological Concept of Religion” The American Catholic Sociological Review 12. 3 (1951): 154Foucault, Michel. “Panopticism”. Monitor and punish: the birth of the prison. New York: Vintage, 1995. 195-228. Print.Wisse, Marten. “The Meaning of the Authority of the Bible” Religious Studies 6.4 (2000): 476Boodin, John E. “The Function of Religion.” The Biblical World 46. 2 (1915): 73-76Aquinas, Thomas and Richard J. Regan. The power of God. New York: Oxford UP, 2012. Print. Gollin, Gillian L. “Theories of the Good Society: Four Perspectives on Religion and Social Change.” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion 9.1 (1970): 1-16 Lisenmayer, Mark. “Episode 49: Foucault on power and punishment.” Life partially examined. January 11, 2012. The web. May 2 2014.