what is religion?

Question

is it a way of life
something that is practiced
something that is made up
or something else.

Answer 1

When man discovered he was not master of his own destiny, he became frightened. In fear, he invented deities who were masters, and these deities could be appeased through prayer and sacrifice. As soon as smart men learned they could manipulate dumber men via these systems, the modern religion was born. To this day, billions of people prefer to be manipulated in hopes of achieving some intangible guarantee that their final destiny will be a happy and peaceful one, rather than face the fact that man is still not master of his own destiny, but that this is nothing to be afraid of.

It never was.

Answer 2

Do you mean what is spirituality?

Religion is a set of beliefs and convictions. Some people believe this is found only in old books. The older the better.

Spirituality is the set of convictions that are held dear because of experience. Because I don't rely on old books, my religion is the same as my spirituality -it is, for me all of the convictions I have come to find as true for me. I have finally let go the need to have anyone approve of who I am and what I choose as my truth and I walk it to the best of my ability at this time. Since these are truths I have proved to myself, it isn't hard for me to live my religion.

The only thing that is hard about this way of life is that I can find very few people who allow me to be me. It's rather funny actually. All the world is searching for the truth and at the same time knocking down anyone who doesn't follow them. (from my experience on this list I include people from all 'faiths.' Not one lacks representatives who are not vulgar. The one most open to all my views seems to be pagans.)

So, I feel that religion is any belief system that tells me they have all the answers. I believe spirituality is what ever you make it and the more effort you put into it the better it becomes.

Answer 3

Religion is age old since the civilization came into existence. It began when human’s brain advanced to realize to have faith, and worship the systems of the society. Human lived in small groups, regulations and systems were formed to maintain discipline in the group. All small groups had own ideology that were obligatory to all group members. As they were too small in groups, system differed from group (society) to group. In order to initiate members to worship the system, an icon was formed that harmonized the ideology. Rituals were essential part that to be carried in occasions for rejuvenation. During this period their rituals were for natural resources icons like sun, moon, river, fire etc; spirits icons like group gods and character icon (idols) like devil or angel.



As I feel, ritual is a practice to follow the ideology and its inscription, Those who have faith in bible inscription are Christian and who have faith in Quoran are Muslims and have faith in veda are hindus. So Christianity is the system (religion) and Christians are society, bible is inscription and Jesus Christ is icon. A difference of opinion in society split up from Jews to Christianity or branches like Roman Catholic, Protestants, Orthodox Christians, Pentecostal or others.



So religion is a system of belief in society. A ritual is main part of religion that builds citizens of the society to trust, respect the ideology of the society. Each religion has its own inscription for its group. When number of followers grew and opted to join the group that resulted to expansion of particular religion. On the other hand in many cases conversion method by force or temptation was/ is also adopted to expand its wings

Answer 4

A myth. A reason to explain the unknowable. It is everything you surmise in your extended question. The myth complicates life as we know it and in most cases causes me doubt to good science.

Answer 5

Religion is the reduction of all that is illogical to the simplest possible non-answer.

Answer 6

In Reality? It is mans efforts to reach God. Where Christianity is God's efforts to reach man. Christianity is suspose to be "the life of Jesus" manifested through us.

Answer 7

It is what you believe to be true about life. What you believe determines how you will live and so everyone has a "religion" even if it is denying religion that is their religion and they live by it.

Answer 8

Brainwashing to control the masses.

Answer 9

a necessity for many people to live a wholesome and meaningful life>

Answer 10

religion was made up from the devil, it is an evil spirit, it prevents us from having a relationship with Jesus Christ......God bless ya