I've seen it a few times around here that Buddhism isn't a religion, it's a philosophy or that Wicca is a cult. So what makes something philosophy instead of religion? How is religion defined? How is cult defined as opposed to what religion is?
2006-07-20 08:51:17 · 17 answers · asked by Muffie 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
MakeSure: I already know the answer to the question by far more reliable sources than wikipedia. What I don't know is what non-academics and non-government think about it. I wanted to know what people think, not what sociologists think. Most of the answers have been interesting, though a few were extremely predictable.
2006-07-20 12:51:56 · update #1
A religion is an attempt to explain reality. It requires that its members conform to its doctrines, and claims to be the only true path to God.
A philosophy is also an attempt to explain reality. It is more personal than a religion. It is more fluid and changeable, and it doesn't require others to accept it in order to find God. It might not even include a God.
A cult is either a religion that is different from a culture's accepted religions or a sect of a religion that teaches different doctrines than most other sects.
Christianity was considered a Jewish cult until it was accepted by powerful people. Christianity would be seen as a cult in cultures where other religions are dominant.
My view is that neither Jesus' teachings nor the Buddha's teachings were meant to become religions, but both have become bonafide religions over time.
2006-07-20 09:10:28 · answer #1 · answered by Baxter 3 · 6⤊ 2⤋
Religion
1. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.
2. A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.
That's it. Of course that doesn't mean that the government will recognize it as such. You need a certain amount of adherents for that. I forget the guidelines. Wicca, as I understand has been officially recognized by the US government as a religion. Buddhism... ahhh... I know they don't have a god... I don't really know how they believe the universe came to be, or if anything is in control... it might not be right to call it a religion, no.
There are other definitions for the word religion, but I really dislike them. Technically if you went by all of the definitions than *anything* you believe is a religion. Believe the sky is blue? That's a religious belief! It gets stupider from there.
2006-07-20 08:56:06 · answer #2 · answered by The Resurrectionist 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rather than rely on what just anyone says, I suggest that you research some relevant info on the subjects you've raised, such as:
Religion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion
Faith - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faith
Cult - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cult
Cult (religious practice) - Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cult_%28religious_practice%29
Destructive cult / Doomsday cult - Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destructive_cult
After considering those, you may want to consider the following & its' related articles:
Should You Believe Everything You Hear? :
~~ Propaganda Can Be Deadly
~~ The Manipulation of Information
~~ Do Not Be a Victim of Propaganda!
~~ Is the Work of Jehovah's Witnesses Propagandistic?
http://www.watchtower.org/library/g/2000/6/22/article_01.htm
It's always very important to ask questions, even when we feel we already know the answers! Especially when our very lives are at risk! So I encourage you to also always compare what God indicates His feelings are. I often go so far as to compare the wording of different translations & versions (see links below).
Sincerely,
"Make Sure of All things; Hold Fast to what is Fine!" 1 Thessalonians 5:21
2006-07-20 09:31:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buddhism turned into religion when it went to china, and Buddha some how turned into some kind of a god, and there was talking about Buddha's land as some kind of a heaven. philosophy is more occupied with mental discussion than rituals and faith without enough evidence. a cult is probably an unsuccessful religion. I'm not sure.
2006-07-20 09:00:07 · answer #4 · answered by nibbana 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religion -- Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe. A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.
Cult -- A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.
Philosophy -- Love and pursuit of wisdom by intellectual means and moral self-discipline.
2006-07-20 08:56:46 · answer #5 · answered by Melissa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say a religion is a set of rigid rules that must be followed. Buddhism is more of a way of life than a religion and the "true" Christianity is more of a personal relationship with God than a religion. Whereas, Judaism, Islam and what people make Christianity seem like today are religions.
2006-07-20 08:55:21 · answer #6 · answered by Suzanne 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wicca isn't a cult and there are so many different religions that it is difficult to easily classify them. But the belief in a religion or God is important to many peoples lives and makes them a better person or a delusional maniac.
2006-07-20 08:55:58 · answer #7 · answered by Crazychick 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.
A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.
The life or condition of a person in a religious order.
A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.
A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.
2006-07-20 08:55:40 · answer #8 · answered by Lindsey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
These are man-made ideas, I do not consider them a religion, religion is knowing where we came from, who put us here, God has a plan for each and every one of us, and its our choice to walk with God or take the broader path that leads nowhere. God is not just the Bible, The Holy Spirit lives within us once we accept Christ as our saviour, and its real, we have alot of evidence that the Bible exists, but the most lies within ourselves and our relationship with God.
2006-07-20 08:56:08 · answer #9 · answered by bryton1001 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religion: Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.
2006-07-20 08:57:52 · answer #10 · answered by acgsk 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋