How much did "the gods/religion" have to do with day to day life in say....ancient Greece? Did superstition and dogma control much of their behavior? Or was it like today's culture in that we have churches and other places and symbols of worship everywhere but we have a sort of a "go or don't go" kind of approach? Also, was it prominent through all levels of status from wealthy to poor?
In Ancient Greek art, the focus was on religion. That is to say, art was produced for religious purposes primarily. Additionally, the gods were central to the thinking of the society. If you didn't believe in the gods, if you were judged to be impious, things could get very tricky for you (as it did for Socrates in 399 BCE).
I certainly don't think that there was a "go or don't go" kind of approach, but it should be noted that different gods were held in different esteem in different areas. If I were to cite examples I'd be speculating, so I shan't, but I believe that what we consider the Greek pantheon was not united across the country (which makes sense, as Greece wasn't a united state).
I hope that helps, some :)
Religion was very different then. It was a cultural practice, with temples and buildings dedicated to gods regardless of if they actually practiced religion there. Ports were built in the name of Poseidon for the purpose of a war harbor, not as a place of worship. Everyone generally believed in the gods but it wasn't to study and worship them, it was to guide them through life and morality. While religion greatly impacted their life, it was not central to their daily interactions.