Answer:
The effects of religious belief over social behavior, and especially its role in control, are many and varied. From establishing the framework of social conduct, to setting out the guidelines on how everyday life will be carried out by the individual, and the group, religion is undeniably one of the most powerful forces in human history.
One of the first aspects that are controlled by religious belief is in sexuality. And in society, this is something important. Religious beliefs will curtail, and establish parameters for sexual conduct both individually and socially that will ensure the fulfillment of principles.
Through principles and values, religion has particular control over social behavior. These principles and values will determine the rights and wrongs for a society, and will thus dictate proper social actions.
By pre-establishing a sense of righteousness, as dictated by the mandates of a superior being, and especially the possible punishments if said mandates are not met, religion is able to control also the thought processes, the view on life, and the way that people act towards specific, and general circumstances in life.
Like the ones mentioned above, there are many other ways in which religion exerts social control in the everyday world.
