Who DICTATES what a religion is?

Question

Is there like some special number of ppl that have to believe in it or die or kill for it before its recognized? Just an abstract thought.

Answer 1

The who of that question would have several different answers. A religion is defined as a doctrine of faith. It matters little if one person, or a billion, believe the doctrine, it is still a religion. Heck, once there was only Jesus, Mohammed and Budha believing in their religion, now look at them. A religion is given credence as it's followers numbers swell, that doesn't necessarily make the religion right, it just makes it more dominant in the market place. Just like a radio breakfast show, or a cola. Brand placement is everything, even in religion, which is why so many religions try to get locations in heavily trafficked urban corridors. Anthropologist, also decide what constitutes a religion. But their concern runs more to religions practised throughout a society. Like the Greeks used to worship a veritable buffet of gods, so they had a religion that incorporated a diety for all ocassions. Then along came the Jews with their patriarchal, mono-theocratic claptrap. Their god was a one god fits all. Needed water turned to wine? He was your guy. Needed grafitti? There he was again, writing on the wall. Needed someone turned to salt, or smited low? Give him a bolt of lightening and wham! The Egyptians had Ra and Osirus, Chronus and the dogheaded blighter, but the Jewish god kicked their mummified butts, and took his chosen people out of slavery and right into the promised land. Today, there are some three hundred recognised religious faiths, many with factions and branches that have wildly different interpretations of their doctrines, and none of them have any evidentiary proof of the existence of their chosen god, except Budhism, and they don't actually worship any god, they just follow the love, peace and tree hugging doctrines of some fat bloke what wandered around talking deep subjects and being feed and housed for free. Football fans have the faith and fervour of the deeply religious, and I would go so far as to say, that Football is the world's biggest religion, and it's doctrine is rooted in that most basic of human beliefs...the winner gets the spoils, the loser goes home. So what defines a religion, is what the individual has faith in, and who makes that definition is the individual.

Answer 2

The practitioners of the religion dictate what a religion is. And there are many religions that are fighting for recognition.

Have you ever heard of the Jainists? How about Hellenismos?

As for a "special number", that is not something that truly matters in the grand scheme of things. After all, some of the largest religions on the planet started small so we do not know if something that is now small will one day dominate the religious landscape

Answer 3

Every religion is an expression of some Idea. New Ideas encounter much opposition before they are accepted by the majority, especially if the new idea appears to contradict the popular opinion. Likewise, those who support the new idea will also have to endure much in order for the Idea to be accepted or established among the people of the society.

If the New Idea is in Harmony with the Universal Order and the demands of the Time, then it will eventually be established regardless of the opposition.

RM

Answer 4

The people who attend the meetings or celebration dictate and define the religion. Even when there are separatists groups within a religion, the separatists will determine if it is a religion.

Also, the I.R.S. may have a say in the matter.

There may be even some regard for a corporate charter regarding a not for profit certificate asking the whys and intent of the not for profit entity.

Answer 5

The winner. No Abstract thought though. That is exactly how the present church got going. There were a lot of factions trying for the bone. There was a lot of killing and treachery and backstabbing and you name it before one faction finally made it in the 4th century ad. The losers dead or not were declared Heretics. But even then this church did not mange to keep it together and in th 11th century split up into the Greek Orthodox and the Catholic Church. (trivia: catholic in Greek means "all". The original name of the Church was The Catholic Greek Orthodox Church.; literal translation- the All Greek of the Correct Thought Church)

Answer 6

confident, i think each and everything my "faith dictates". a million. Christian 2. Self ( very own come across with Christ.) 3. N/A - Wasn't a believer as a youngsters. 4. No. fact no longer myths. No. 5. Set on the certainty of Jesus Christ. No turning back. question for you.... could you declare somebody else as your mum and dad basically because of the fact somebody informed you that somebody else is your mum and dad? Morgan le Faye - Judging by skill of your comments related to the history and transcription of the Bible, you for sure don't be responsive to what the heck you're conversing approximately. I minored in Church history and that i will emphatically permit you be responsive to which you're thoroughly way off.

Answer 7

Religion means belief, and in James 2:19-20 even the devil "believes" and trembles, lets try the word BE-LIVE instead that is the grand finish to beliefs. As far as who dictates John 14:15 says "IF" you are [BE-LIVING] In Love with me than keep my commandments [not suggestions] so if you would enjoy THE ONLY Way out of this grave YOU "ARE" in than better pay attention to how to get out of it, right? More info, free bible lessons www.itiswritten.com bible questions www.bibleinfo.com talk to me also [e-mail] God bless

Answer 8

One simple test to separate a religion from a personality cult is surviving a transition of power.

Answer 9

Totally Cooked!
the pope, who else ! lmao @ the pope!

lmao @ the idiots in religion!

"religion is Spiritual fraud"; "religion is the Worse invention of humanity" - Jesus Christ

Create a private, personal, direct, divine relationship with Our Creator and save your Soul from religion.

Only with Our Creator's Love and Peace will we be Truely Free!

Without God, there is No Love; Without religion, there are No Wars!

Answer 10

Its open and debated for its use and absolution.