Which is more fundamental to religion: explaining or influencing the world?

Question

Is the most essential, defining aspect of religion its attempt to explain, describe, and interpret things (e.g., mythology, scripture), or its attempt to influence, manipulate, and affect things (e.g., prayer, ritual)?

These are the two aspects of religion, combined with its institutionalized nature, which seem to most clearly differentiate it from things like spirituality, which is more concerned with internal, personal self-discovery than with understanding or manipulating the world. But I'm interested in finding out people's thoughts on these two aspects of religion--whether one is more important, or valid, or relevant, etc.

Answer 1

I think that the answer is dependent upon the religion. The evangelizing sects seem more intent upon spreading the "word" and converting nonbelievers or the "infidel"; particularly Christianity is that type with each denomination seemingly interested, not only in missionary work, but also in convincing those embracing other belief systems (including members of other Christian sects) of the so-called "errors of their ways". Groups such as Buddhists, Zoroastrians, Hindus, and Jews do not seem much into spreading their beliefs throughout the world, yet are still welcoming of interested searchers. In my opinion, the less zealous are the members of a religious group toward acquiring or converting nonmembers, the more spiritually minded are its practicioners.

Answer 2

Explaining the world is more fundamental to religion. Whether the religion is a force for change depends on what is being taught about how the follower is to interact with the world at large.

Answer 3

Organized religion is more concerned with influence I believe. Look at the Catholic Church. They regularly change their beliefs to keep in line with modern thinking (they now accept evolution and disregard limbo) and are constantly admonishing world leaders for being too secular (with no effect). The influence of the Christian right is even greater in America.
But make no mistake, spirituality is just as unscientific. Also built on feet of clay.

Answer 4

I've always thought that religion began as an explanation and then was corrupted and became an influence. However, it is necessary for religion to maintain an image of explanation in its inherent nature, despite the fact that social influence and manipulation is how its power is delivered.

Answer 5

Unfortunately, the most powerful and well-known religions (Christianity, Islam) are more interested in influencing the world.

The better religions (Buddhism, Taoism, Wicca, other forms of paganism) focus more on what the believer learns from his/her practice of their religion than on signing up the maximum number of members.