Religious satire is a genre that is valued for its ability to comment on the beliefs and customs of organized religion in a humorous and ironic manner. There are several different synonyms for religious satire, including religious parody, religious humor, and religious mockery. Each of these terms refers to a slightly different approach to satire, with religious parody often focusing on the direct imitation of religious texts or practices, religious humor emphasizing the lighter side of religious themes, and religious mockery highlighting the absurdities or hypocrisies of organized religion. Regardless of the specific approach, the core of religious satire is the same: to challenge traditional beliefs and to provoke reflection through humor and irony.