What is religion?

Question

What is religion exactly? With all the questions regarding religion, i'm starting to think that no religion in this world, is correct. Someone in the world probably knew what happened, but they're long gone now. So I don't think I believe in anything. Anything at all. Or better yet, I believe in everything. There is absolutely NO proof of any religion. If you think there is, tell me about it. Any religion. I'd like to know.

Answer 1

Religion could be described as belief in a higher power than oneself.

The Bible correctly "predicted" many future events in detail.

The trillions of tetra-tons of mass contained in this universes did not magically appear.

There is more, but you have the God given free will to choose not to believe in anything.

Answer 2

There are many definitions of what a religion is. You can find some here:
http://www.religioustolerance.org/rel_defn.htm

You seem to be suggesting that all religions (at least, the ones you're aware of) are based on believing something that happened in the past. That's not necessarily true.

There are a number of religions in which learning and practicing "right now" matter more than believing something that somebody said happened long ago. In fact, Buddhism is one of them. The Buddha even made a famous statement along the lines that nobody should believe something just because he said it. He invited people to try what he was saying and prove it to themselves.

Modern Pagan religions also tend to be more experiential. Modern Pagans don't need to literally believe the old myths; what matters more are things like connecting with each other, the Gods, and nature here and now, and learning to become a better person.

Unitarian Universalism is also a largely rational faith. This religion honors and finds inspiration in the truths of many other religions while understanding that all things human -- including religion -- are also subject to folly. They, too, make a point of thoughtful reflection on spiritual topics and working to better the community.

Answer 3

If there were any repeatable demonstratable proof then it wouldn't be religion, it would be part of science. Religion is simply a type of mysticism, involving belief in the supernatural, and ritualistic means of pretending to control the supernatural to obtain imagined benefits and delusional advantage for oneself. It gives people comfort in the face of overwhelming fear of suffering, death and oblivion. But the comfort of a few is not a good enough reason to allow ancient books full of ignorant and foolish rules to influence our modern understanding of the universe, nature and humanity. Mysticism is the antithesis of reason, our defining human trait.

Answer 4

Religion is organized faith. Everbodies faith is different. Even 2 Christians will not 100% agree on biblical matters. Religion is sortof the law of averages of its believers faith and so can change over time. This is why religions can appear to be very different from each other. Your faith is what matters most, the rest is just decoration.

Answer 5

Religion is the belief in something greater than yourself. Surrendering to the will of a higher being or presence. Religion is (to me) entitlement to a greater place other than my existence in this place.

Answer 6

religion is the belief in which you base your life or culture on that balances with who you are. for example, most philipino or thai cultures are buddist, and base their beliefs on subjects like peace and karma, and stuff like that. christians believe in a higher power like God who created the earth and had his son die for us to save mankind. Spirituality is almost like having religion, except instead of strictly going by christan/ buddist/ etc. life style, you believe in doing what is right and helping others i guess

Answer 7

Wow, there is nothing more carnal than religion in many cases. And you don't believe in them even though you can see them? I guess talking to you about spirituality would be a waste of time then!

Here, let me give you a clue:

noun
1.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.
—Idiom
9.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.


See any religion yet?

religion
c.1200, "state of life bound by monastic vows," also "conduct indicating a belief in a divine power," from Anglo-Fr. religiun (11c.), from O.Fr. religion "religious community," from L. religionem (nom. religio) "respect for what is sacred, reverence for the gods," in L.L. "monastic life" (5c.); according to Cicero, derived from relegare "go through again, read again," from re- "again" + legere "read" (see lecture). However, popular etymology among the later ancients (and many modern writers) connects it with religare "to bind fast" (see rely), via notion of "place an obligation on," or "bond between humans and gods." Another possible origin is religiens "careful," opposite of negligens. Meaning "particular system of faith" is recorded from c.1300.

How about now?

Answer 8

Buddhism (not sure it fits the defintion of religion) gives you tools and lets you decide for yourself.

But in general, religion is illusion.

Answer 9

Religion is man trying to make himself accepted by God by his own good works, and not trusting in God's grace or undeserved favour to be accepted.

Answer 10

lt's there to tell u the purpose of life,how humans came about and why.and what is expecting them if any thing after they r dead.u can't wait to see everything after u r dead cuz it might be too late and u're defenately not gonna get another chance to make up