What is your definition of "religion" ?

Question

Atheists and others like them don't group their belief system/s under "religion," but others do call them a type of religion.

Do you think religion means just your beliefs, just your way of living, your structured belief system AND way of living that includes things like church (or temples, or mosques, etc.), a holy book (Bible, Qu'ran, etc.), and other things common to most religions?

I'd like to hear your ORIGINAL, THOUGHTFUL, RESPECTFUL, INTELLIGENT answers. Thanks.

G.B.

I meant to put an "or" in that second paragraph... oh well, I hope it wasn't too hard to read.

Answer 1

u have a point there it's the way of living cuz what u be live in defind who u r & the right way that u should live by
...u might be right I mean atheist is the bunch of ppl who don't belive in god or heaven & hell.... so they believe that there r no consequnnces 4 there action ..so even the no religion is a kind of relegion

Answer 2

A Religion is defined as a Group of people who have a belief in a creator god.

Examples: Hinduism {Brahma, the creator god to hindu's).
Judaism {YHWH, the creator god of jews).
Islam {Allah, the creator god of muslims).
Christianity {Jesus, the creator god of christians
And the list is endless.

There is a Philosophy of Life, which is sometimes called a religion, but does not have a creator god, it is Buddhism. It is a way of life for various kinds of buddhists, who are very peaceful. patient, kind-hearted, and very tolerant people.

And Atheism and Humanism is a way of life which has no creator god, and is not a religion.
But hey, maybe someday both will be considered a religion. One never knows.
Scientology, is called a religion {it now no longer has to pay taxes), but has no creator god. So you can see, how some systems are becoming religions, when they really are not.

Excellent Question. Thank You.

It is very difficult to find excellent questions on the Religion/Spiritual Section. Too many people judging, negatively criticizing, condemning, and/or mocking each other. Even many Agnostics and Atheists are doing this to the religious people who believe in a creator god. *A person has to be very Patient, Loving, Forgiving, and to tolerate such immaturity, hwhile browsing through the Religion/Spiritual
Section for a good question, or answers to read.

Everyone must find their own way of life, which brings them the most peace of mind, and happiness, without invading on the Free Will of others. This creates a harmonious atmosphere for excellent communication, and helpfulness.

Thanks for your excellent question.

Answer 3

I define religion as a structured belief in the supernatural, an unstructured belief would be spirituality and a lack of belief is Atheism.

Atheism and Agnosticism are NOT religions because they don't have tenets to teach, structured or unstructured. I was forced to be a Christian from birth and taught the faith in church. I didn't need anyone to teach me how to be an Atheist, I just needed to overcome the superstitions I was taught as a child.

I hope this illustrates my opinion of the differences.

Answer 4

The word religion refers to the repeated rituals and traditions. What we really want is Spirituality and a personal relationship with God, which does not require religion.

Answer 5

as a Muslim i think religion is a system of life that we all need to keep going in our lives, it gives us peace, love to each others, compassion for others, and a hope for a better life, it also gaive as the patience on the difficulties and the ability to force them.

being submited to the God is a need that we all "Muslims,Christians,and Jews" recognize because without it we feel lost and loneliness

Answer 6

I think religion is the particular way in which you manifest your beliefs combined with the things about your beliefs that are specific to your faith.

Answer 7

I just use the root "religio"=binding together for my meaning
It's a binding together of your true self. That is your soul with your higher self or the christ within you. that is what jesus was talking about as being the bride of Christ
Each major religion has the same teaching

Answer 8

I think it's the organized belief and worship of the supernatural.
Whether the supernatural is represented by a god or gods or
something different entirely.

Answer 9

Religion means adhering to the practices of a cult.

Atheists do not belong to cults. We tend to have an aversion to them.

We are actually immune to them.

Answer 10

A Placebo for the Masses!