Defining the word "Religion"?

Question

Yourdictionary.com defines religion as:

a. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe. b. A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.

Alright, now with this definition, I have heard two odd statements on this site: "Christianity is not a religion" and "Atheism is a religion".

Firstly, If Christianity isn't a religion, (though judging by the above definition, it seems to be), but actually a "Personal relationship with Jesus". Then is there such thing as religion? I mean, couldn't we just define all religions as personal relationships with Allah, the Goddess, etc.?

Secondly, if atheism is a religion, is anarchy a government type? Is not eating, a food choice? Seriously, how is the absence of religion a religion?

Answer 1

Religion seemingly defies definition! According to answers to some of the questions I've put out there, god-believing people define religion as something which other people have, but not themselves. They have a relationship with god/jesus/allah but they're not religious. And religions are not genuine because they are man-made, whereas their own beliefs are god-made. Seems to me that they are suffering from ignorance and delusions of superiority.

Answer 2

The word "belief" confuses the issue because we are talking about religion, so it's misleading people into thinking that atheists BELIEVE something. It's actually just the opposite of belief. An atheist is one who denies the existence of a deity/deities and does not worship any deity. Since I have seen another mistaken opinion about atheists, if I had my druthers I would also add to the definition above, "...and that denial includes all the secondary characters connected with that deity". Reason: Some religious people automatically make a foolish leap and mistakenly think that if atheists deny God they must worship Satan. I don't know any atheist who worships ANYTHING, let alone a mythological being believers made up.

Answer 3

Attempts to define religion are difficult because religion isn't "real". You can't touch it and it's not done in such away that it can be universally recognizable (such as a verb: to run). Instead, you define religion by its characteristics. Not all religions have deities (such as Buddhism), so yourdictionary is immediately proven wrong. Because deities are present in almost all cases, it's a useful definition.

Sociologists define religion pretty explicitly by its characteristics because they have to in order to study it with any reliability or validity. Michael Molloy (specializes in academic study of religion), has these characteristics:

Belief system: a set of beliefs that comprise a systematic interpretation of the "universe" and a human's place in it. AKA worldview.

Community: the belief system is shared and practiced by at group.

Central myths: central stories that express the belief system, retold and often re-enacted. Myths in this context does not mean untrue or fairy tales, only that they are separate and important stories that need to be differentiated from stories such as parables or fables used in teaching.

Ritual: beliefs enacted, or ceremonies

Ethics: established rules about human behavior

Characteristic emotional experiences: emotional experiences that are characteristic of a religious experience, ritual, or participation in a belief system. Examples (not limited to): conversion, rebirth, feelings of divine forgiveness, fear, awe, guilt, bliss.

Material expression: physical expressions (social artifacts) of a belief system, such as music, art, temples, churches, icongs, clothing, locations.

Sacredness: a distinction is made between sacred and ordinary. Objects, people, actions, locations, or ideals may be defined as sacred.

Atheism can be construed as a religion. It does have many characteristics of one. It's missing rituals and central myths, however, that usually disqualifies it as a "religion". It is, instead, usually called a "philosophy", which requires no ritual.

Anarchy is a type of government, just as atheism is a type of belief system. I'm not as familiar with operational definitions of government, so the parallel breaks down for me. Anarchy does meet some qualifications as a Nation-State, but it doesn't meet others. For example, anarchy has no defined borders or soveriegnty because no one has the authority to define them nor the authority to consider themselves, let alone a group, sovereign over anything.

People sometimes consider the absence of religion (or government or eating) a religion (or government or food choice) because 1) a choice has been made and 2) that choice has been made based on a belief system and therefore must be taken on faith. Because religion is explicitly undefinable (a banana is always a banana, no matter what you call it and religion is only religion as long as we agree that's what it is), people usually define it for themselves. We mostly agree on those definitions because it's convenient. For most people religion = faith. If religion is faith, then atheism is religion. If government is only defined as a method of legislation and enforcement, then anarchy is a government.

Perceptions of social constructs are the only way social constructs are defined because they are not "real", that is, they are not empirical in their own right. Define prejudice. It's done by listing behaviors that indicate someone is prejudice. Religion is the same and so is the social construct of government.

Answer 4

a. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe. b. A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.

as to part a. of the difinition... The words "belief" and suppernatural power or powers"...For those of The True Christian Faith it is not "belief", it is know, that God is. One God not many. For the "Christian" it is all personal, one-on-one with God. There is no need for any institutionalized system. Systems which are invented by men. God makes the system that the Christian follows. Not man. All religion is an invention of man.

as to part b.... atheism is indeed an "institutionalized" system. it is taught and spread by evangelist of the movement. so it is a "religion"

religion is for control... for the benifit of the "religion" and those controling it. Someone, or some group,is profiting from it.

There is no profit motive in TheTrue Christian Faith.

Answer 5

Here are the characteristics that nearly all organized religions share:

Belief in Supernatural Beings:
Perhaps the most common and fundamental characteristic of religion is a belief in supernatural beings — usually, but not always, including gods. Few religions lack this characteristic and most religions are founded upon it.

Sacred vs Profane Objects, Places, Times:
Differentiating between sacred and profane objects, places, and times helps religious believers focus on transcendental values and/or the existence of a supernatural realm.

Ritual Acts Focused on Sacred Objects, Places, Times:
If people believe in something sacred, they probably have associated rituals. Praying to a statue or a cross, visiting a church, holidays and significant days associated with their religion.

Moral Code With Supernatural Origins:
Most religions preach some sort of moral code which is typically based upon its transcendental and supernatural beliefs. Thus, for example, theistic religions typically claim that morality is derived from the commands of their gods.

Characteristically Religious Feelings:
Perhaps the vaguest characteristic of religion is the experience of “religious feelings” like awe, a sense of mystery, adoration, and even guilt. Religions encourage these sorts of feelings, especially in the presence of sacred objects and places, and the feelings are typically connected to the presence of the supernatural.

Prayer and Other Forms of Communication:
Belief in supernatural beings like gods doesn’t get you very far if you can’t communicate with them, so religions which include such beliefs naturally also teach how to talk to them — usually with some form of prayer or other ritual.

A Worldview & Organization of One’s Life Based on the Worldview:
Religions are never just a collection of isolated and unrelated beliefs; instead, they constitute entire worldviews based upon these beliefs and around which people organize their lives.

A Social Group Bound Together by the Above:
A few religious people follow their religion in isolated ways, but usually religions involve complex social organizations of believers who join each other for worship, rituals, prayer, etc.

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Christianity DOES qualify even if it doesn't enourage church attendence.

And you're right, atheism in NO WAY qualifies by these standards. There is NO belief, NO worship, NO rituals, NO unified worldview, NO rituals or prayers. It is NOT a system and NOT an institution. It is "lack of belief in a god or gods". THATS...... IT.

Answer 6

religion the belief system in which your lord has told you to believe in. a system which organizes what you should believe, how you should live etc. the name of this system tells you which system is the one you believe in. my is Islam meaning submit ion to the will of Allah. And salaam is the root word meaning peace. also I agree that you said how can atheism be a religion when they don’t believe in a god. it is just going on everyday life. Thinking the treasures of this world last forever. do not get your belief confused by people are try to lead you to the astray. you need to show your love for Allah and strive hard to get his attention and love. when your child dose something for you and works hard you see what they have done for you and that they had you in mind then you love this child right. then when you do the same for Allah he loves you. not that Allah has children just an example. so we don’t get confused religion is used which religion Islam. what dose Islam believe. the ones of God and that Mohammed is the last prophet,. how dose a Muslim get into heaven do as your lord says and listen to what his prophet has told you. What is that which God has told you, to pray fast, pay zakkat... which is it that Muhammad has told you. To worship your lord and do good on earth... what have they both told us prepare for the here after.

Answer 7

religion: belief in, acceptance of God or gods,with the emotion and morality connected therwith;rites or worship.

As being a christian, there is only one thing most important over any and all "relegions" and that is GOD almighty.

christianity is a "form" of religion but is also a personal relationship with GOD andnot just a religion or soley.
It is to worship with others and ours based off of the Bible of God's word.
One who is a christian can worship solo and have the bible and word of God without going to church and worshipping there or woth others or having any one religion. So... yes one can have God without religion.

Answer 8

Religion is a belief in 1 god or many. Atheism is not a religion but a REJECTION of religion.

Answer 9

A religion is when you have to try and do something to please God. Grace is when God has done it all for you as a free gift. Ephesians 2: 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Ephesians 2: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Answer 10

I would say atheism is a belief system, like existentialism or materialism or rationalism. But by definition religion is a belief system with a God.