What makes it a "religion"?

Question

None of the following definitions *require* belief in god.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/religion

Do you think it is necessary to profess faith in a higher power in order to consider what you believe in a "religion"?

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John: Soy Chickita, pero no tengo hambre. Lo siento -- gracias, pero no.

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Answer 1

No, there are religions in the world that do not have a deity. What makes it a religion? The definitions listed on the site you gave as well as the fact that belief systems without deities are conventionally accepted as religions.

Answer 2

Actually the first definition: "1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs." does mention a Divine or a God figure. but no a religion doesn't NEED a Divine figurehead but most of the religions in the world have one. If I am not mistaken (which has happened before and will happen again) Druidism doesn't have a figurehead and neither does Shamanism but both are religions.

Blessed Be )O(

Answer 3

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.

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.

Answer 4

You don't need a 'higher power' to define religion. The only thing that I think one really needs to call a particular belief system a religion is faithfulness to that belief, whatever it is. Atheists are faithful to the belief that God does not exist, and therefore, it is possible to call atheism a religion.

Answer 5

a higher power, or a higher purpose is mentioned in most of the definitions, but you also need to have a group of people & a set of beliefs-- basically some sort of organization, be it a small group that chats about it online to a large international church encompassing millions

Answer 6

Not at all. To some, their children are their religion. To others, something as simple as watching American Idol is a religion. You just have to have a devotion, not to a higher power always.

Answer 7

I believe it is anything when you feel like there is a higher poiwer for you to speak to and to aid you with your problems..it does not have to be so deatiled as we in this country and aroinf the world have made it to be

Answer 8

Forst of all, Christianity is NOT a religion. And yes many people do have affiliations with religions.
RELIGIONS R Man's way to god. !

Christianity on the other hand is GOD's way to man.
HE came and dwelt among us and preached the Gospel. He gave to us a new way to get saved. Which is through HIM ( Jesus ).

There is not other way to God, Except this way.

It's back to the basic's, read John 3:16.
Then Read Romans 10 vs 8 - 12.

Answer 9

if you're really chicky in the photo i'll do a box lunch religion

Answer 10

If they take your money it's a religion.
Pray for cookies.