What is the TRUE DEFINITION of RELIGION? NOT FOR DUMMY'S.....HARD QUESTION?

Question

HOW WELL CAN YOU FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS?

1ST- Give me your definition of religion.......(I'll get a kick out of this).
2ND- Look it up in the dictionary and give me that definition.

DON'T GO TO WIKIEPIGA! ANYBODY CAN DO THAT.

Answer 1

Religion is the soft pillow of comfort that makes it easier to face the little death of sleep every night.

I don't really care what the dictionary says.

But I hope you are amused anyway.

Answer 2

1) A set of inherited beliefs, systematic or vague, adhered to by a group of people without any way to confirm its "truths". (interestingly enough, this is similar to how I'd define dogma)...

2) 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.

What was so interesting about that?... Other than apparently Random House doesn't capitalize the beginning sentances of definitions...

Answer 3

1ST - Religion, in my opinion, is a system of beliefs, strongly adhered to, that impact the way you live, define your ethical and moral conduct, and your philosophy regarding your existence. A religiously held belief is so strongly held, that mere logic or reason are unable to alter it. It is often defended with the same fervor as your appendages or internal organs.

2ND - There are numerous definitions. The fourth definition in my dictionary defines it as "a cause, principal, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith."

So did you get a kick out of my answer? Why do you consider this such a hard question?

Answer 4

I feel that religion is an invented language form to give us humans some way to consistently talk about our spiritual experiences. Language, unfortunately, is a rather blunt tool, and humans, unfortunately, can be a rather dull lot. What seems to have occurred is that the creative mythology of religious language has been taken as statement of fact (there is no monopoly on this occurrence) and thus our common experience of spirituality has been turned into exclusive clubs that often espouse intolerance.

2 - see above, there are plenty of dictionary defs.

Answer 5

My definition of Religion - an organized system of philosophical ideas and spiritual practices based on Eternal Truths.

Dictionary.com:
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.
2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
4. the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
5. the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
6. something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice.
7. religions, Archaic. religious rites.
8. Archaic. strict faithfulness; devotion: a religion to one's vow.
—Idiom9. get religion, Informal. a. to acquire a deep conviction of the validity of religious beliefs and practices.
b. to resolve to mend one's errant ways: The company got religion and stopped making dangerous products.

Answer 6

Religion is man attempt to reach God

RELIGION (Gr. threskeia, outward expression of spiritual devotion). The Latin religare means to hold back or restrain. It came to be applied to the services and ritual and rules by which faith in and devotion to deity were expressed. In the OT there is no word for religion. Fear (Ps 2:11; Prov 1:7) and worship (Deut 4:19; 29:26; Pss 5:7; 29:2) of God refer primarily to attitudes of the mind and acts of adoration, rather than to a ritual. Threskeia in the NT means outward expression of religion and the content of faith. James makes a distinction between the sham and the reality of religious expression (James 1:26-27). Paul was loyal to his Hebrew religion before being converted (Acts 26:1-5). Religious in James 1:26 (threskos) implies superstition.

Answer 7

1. A set of beliefs and rituals in which one does not have to see proof of something to believe in it.
2. A set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agencyor agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

Answer 8

1) A belief in a higher power as dictated by tradition and folklore.

2) 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.

Answer 9

(1) My definition of religion is a set of my own, personal beliefs, and the process of their evolution that seek to define my spiritual quest as well as my idea of fulfilment. If they attain the status of faith without causing any hurt to others, they strengthen me. If they ennoble my animal instincts and lead me to self-realisation, they strengthen me. If they elevate and deepen my idea of fellowship with other human beings, they strengthen me. If they make this world a personal part of me and make me integral to it, they strengthen me. If they fail to do any or all of these, I prefer to go without any religion all my life. I believe that all religions bear truth but I know that I can't relate to them at the same level or in the same manner. There must be a personal definition of religion for me that I seek and find for myself, and if needed, I must be prepared to plough a lonely furrow instead of bowing to an incomprehensible grandeur in the company of nervous believers.
(2) A dictionary meaning of religion is just an aggregate of several things that tries to encapsulate the wide and varied world of religion. Please look it up yourself BUT within the context I have just suggested.

Answer 10

what you believe in

dictionary:
religion: 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.