Is there a difference between religion and belief system?
2007-01-18 06:07:14 · 11 answers · asked by ? 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
racer.....where have you been? eye c there r a few more eyes on the forum beside me. check them out......
2007-01-18 06:12:30 · update #1
While religion invariably involves a belief system, not all belief systems are religion. Theism is often confused with religion. However theism isn't always a belief system. Spirituality, which deals in matters of the spirit, usually considered a part of religion, can also be distinguished from religion. Spirituallity may encompass both religious and non-religious practice.
2007-01-18 06:16:24 · answer #1 · answered by Lorene 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah. I make the distinction between religion and spirituality, or religion and faith.
To me, religion is dogmatic adherence to a set of laws and opinions formulated by another group or individual, usually at a different period in time and under very different circumstances. Religion has no place for competing opinions in its world view, because they are a threat to it. Religion is about power, not about spirituality. Religion, in my view, is almost always formulated for selfish interests, as was the case with the Emperor Constantine, for example.
Contrast to this spirituality and faith, which is a personal, private thing. It grows and changes as you do, incorporating new experiences and information on an ongoing basis. As faith is an individual thing, you can never force it on another person, because everybody is different. What you can do though is engage another about his or her faith in an exchange of ideas so that both your individual belief systems can grow in the way that each of you will it to.
2007-01-18 14:17:13 · answer #2 · answered by dead_elves 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't really know the answer to this but I will try.
Religion is man's way of reaching toward Heaven to get to God.
Belief system can be one in the same - man's way of trying to reach God.
BUT listen - I have a relationship with Jesus - not religion - so not sure I can answer you really. Relationship is God reaching down to us from Heaven. So very very different.
We don't need religion - we need relationship - so very fulfilling.
2007-01-18 14:11:47 · answer #3 · answered by jworks79604 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think so.... A religion means that you are involved with people that have the same belief system. Whereas, you do not need others to simply have a system of beliefs.
2007-01-18 14:11:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The word religion refers to repeated traditions and rituals that may or may not be meaningless. Spirituality refers to your personal relationship to God. You can believe without getting all caught up in the trapping of a church.
2007-01-18 14:12:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe so. Religions have doctrines and dogmas - you must believe and follow every single one of these items for us to consider you a believer. Belief systems don't have such strict rules if you're to be considered a follower.
)O(
2007-01-18 14:17:52 · answer #6 · answered by wyvern1313 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religion is man's way of trying to reach God.
Relationship is God's way of reaching us, through Jesus Christ.
BIG DIFFERENCE!
2007-01-18 14:12:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i guess religion is based on Faith which is belief...so, both religion n belief point to the same
2007-01-18 14:12:05 · answer #8 · answered by theglad8er 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religion is rules and regulations imposed by man.
Belief system, in my opinion, is your faith, what you feel in your heart and mind, without the rules.
Just my opinion
2007-01-18 14:10:55 · answer #9 · answered by Dianne C 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Nice Eye..
2007-01-18 14:09:54 · answer #10 · answered by Royal Racer Hell=Grave © 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋