Why do so many people confuse religion with philosophy?

Question

Philosophy is about asking questions and keeping an open mind. Something which religion obviously doesn't approve.

Religion is based on dogmas, which are unquestionable truths. The very idea of a truth not being questioned is completely alien to any respecting philosopher.

Answer 1

Because Boethius said, "In so far as is possible, join faith to reason." He then founded the Scholastics, the most influential brotherhood of the church against whom, in part, Martin Luther revolted. Augustine combined Plato with Christianity which led to the Dark Ages. Aquinas combined Aristotle with Christianity, which got us out of the Dark Ages. You are confusing "theology" with "religion." Technically speaking, "religion" is the practice of such things as counting rosary beads, genuflecting, kneeling, praying, etc. Theology is the practice of trying to figure out "faith" or "god's words" in philosophical terms.

Answer 2

Although most religions and spiritual beliefs are clearly
distinct from science on both a philosophical and methodological
level, the two are not generally considered to be mutually
exclusive. A majority of humans hold a mix of both scientific and
religious views. The distinction between philosophy and religion,
on the other hand, is at times less clear.

All ancient philosophical texts of the Hindus are
part of the religion. Most of modern philosophical
books written by Hindus are interpretations of
those ancient texts.

Answer 3

Because the two intertwine. Religion isn't as dogmatic as the common man thinks. The myth that ones faith leaves out his or her brains and intelligence out of the equation has been perpetrated by the ignorant and the intelligent fools.
Wisdom dictates that you think about the faith you have. I am a Christian. People seem to think that I've given over my intelligence to the church. Or a denomination of some sort. But in reality having read the Bible four times I've found that if you don't use your brains in what you are studying then you are going to lose out on the value of your faith!!!
You can be ignorant and faithful, or stupid and faithful, and intelligent and faithful but it doesn't mean a thing unless you have love. Here wisdom dictates philosophies and reasoning.
Philosophy can be a subject without the so called religious stuff but ones faith has a philosophy involved to one degree or another.
So ...people have a tendency to confuse the two as one and the same.
The philosophy of Socrates would not involve religion no more that Nietzsche's philosophy would. But ...the philosophy of the Apostles of Christ, and His disciples involves a great deal of the churches teachings. Here I am speaking of the Christ's church, not any particular denomination.

Answer 4

I read the works of Bertrand Russell; talk about close-minded!
Religion and philosophy go together; philosophy is an inherent part of philosophy, which you would know if you studied any of the major philosophers.
You find close-minded people every where; don't blame it on religion, any more than people should blame wars on religion.
And, don't confuse open-mindedness with immorality.

Answer 5

People are in search of a meaning to life.

Those naturally inclined to devotion go for religion, and for those of them 'heady' enough for it, reason follows later, as a support for those beliefs. Others, inclined to thinking ,go for philosophy, and the vast mass of them become believers anyway, but in a system of philosophy rather than in a belief system.

Very few have the intellectual and emotionl stamina to stay unattached to any organized system, be it religious or philosophical.

Answer 6

I often wonder the same thing. But if your religion is the way you look at and approach life, who's to say if it is any less a philosophy than the way someone else looks at the world/life.

We each live in our own limited perception-based reality.

Answer 7

why are you confusing relgion with "closed mindedness?"
yes, many people in religious terms are not tolerant, but that doesn't mean you can judge a whole religion of people based of the few you've met or seen

and sometimes religion is needed to bring into SOME aspects of philosophy

Answer 8

I have been trying to point this out to may lay Buddhist group. We have no priesthood, there is no deity, and our practice is a fundamental belief, not a higher power's command, yet they won't listen either. After about three hours of debate, they may agree with me, then go back to the common, accustomed usage.

Answer 9

I was wondering the same thing....but, i've been guilty of going over to the Religion & Spirituality forum, just to stir things up a bit....when i'm bored of course.

Answer 10

Perhaps you might provide a definition of what you consider to be religion? Thomas Aquinas is considered to be a "religious" thinker and the entirety of his "Summa Theologica" is composed of questions. Marxist philosophy is as dogmatic as anything I have ever encountered in the study of what modernity catergorizes as religion...