Religion Supported By Philosophy

In class, we discussed how Philosophy is not a Religion. Religion is rather having a set of practices and beliefs that give meaning to our lives. My faith is very important to me and has developed greatly over the past couple of years. Even though Philosophy is not a Religion, I use Philosophy to understand and shed light to the questions proposed through religious practices and writings. I believe that one must use faith and reason, which develops from philosophical thinking, to support their stated beliefs. How can anyone influence or believe another person if they haven't used reason to back up their beliefs? This is where double ignorance occurs within religious practices. I've witnessed countless people declare certain beliefs, but are unable to explain their thinking or reasoning. I find myself in this state sometimes as well though. Religion is so often "inherited" from persons' parents and never fully understood. It's so easy for me to state that I am a Christian, yet am I only this way because my parents were as well? I need to use my own reason to examine my beliefs and form an opinion of my own rather than relying on others' knowledge or ignorance.