What makes a religion "a religion"?

Question

Yahweh-- thanks, but no thanks. I really could've gone and looked it up if I wanted to ;P
I'm looking more for a personal opinion here.

Answer 1

Personally, I feel that the term means something different to everyone.

To me, it means faith in something.

One of the main points covered by general religion is the beginning and proper sustainment of existence on Earth.

That's how I've always defined it--a faith or belief system in regards to how how human beings originated on this Earth, and how we continue to live here over time.

For quite some time now, I've faced people that say atheism is "not" a religion. But why the hell isn't it? By definition, meaning, and overall interpretation, atheism is the non-theistic equivalent to Christianity; the exact oppositte. The oppositte of black is white, but both are still shades of aesthetic appearance; of "color." A door could be opened or closed, but either way, it's still a door, isn't it?

That's why I expanded my personal definition of religion to include atheism -- I used to go by the general dictionary definition. However, I quickly realized that that definition is inaccurate.

After all, have you ever noticed that on sites like MySpace, the "Religion" area includes several options, not just one?

That said, my own definition, to some, may be considered inaccurate, as well. It's simply my own definition; the fact that not everyone agrees, is what makes it my own. And I'm happy for that.

Some people are a lot more specific, with certain details and such included. Others may say "whatever you believe." But I feel that religion is anything in regards to faith, belief, or spirituality.

That way, everyone is included -- the Christians, Catholics, satanists, atheists, pagans, agnostics; everyone. And I think that's what matters -- rather than singling anyone out, including everyone.

Answer 2

Here's a webpage which explains in detail why atheism is NOT a religion. I think it will help you understand the basics of what makes a religion "a religion" while also helping you understand what ISN'T a religion.

To summarize the main points, most religions have most if not all of these in common:

Belief in Supernatural Beings
Sacred vs Profane Objects, Places, Times
Ritual Acts Focused on Sacred Objects, Places, Times
Moral Code With Supernatural Origins
Prayer and Other Forms of Communication
A Worldview & Organization of One’s Life Based on the Worldview
A Social Group Bound Together by the Above

http://atheism.about.com/od/aboutatheism/p/AtheismReligion.htm

Answer 3

I tend to think that accepted religions are not limited to one location, have survived losing their original leader(s), have a number of followers other than the "original" founding generation, and are generally accepted by society. Contrast this with the loose definition of a cult where they generally are centered around a single charasmatic leader, have one or very few locations and are made up of a single "generation".

This may not be a formal definition, but as a model it works well.

Answer 4

re·li·gion (rĭ-lĭj'ən) pronunciation
n.

1.
1. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.
2. A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.
2. The life or condition of a person in a religious order.
3. A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.
4. A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.

Answer 5

The difference between religion and a myth is that religion has some kind of book (like bible) describing its ethics, etc. so it's written down that there cannot be any other versions. (Iliad doesn't count, because it's pure literature and there are other versions of it--such as Aphrodite can be Zeus's aunt in one version and his daughter in another). And religion has people kneeling down to pray to god/gods.

Answer 6

Good question. An easy definition is the following:

A religion is a philosophy with at least some supernatural underpinnings.

Answer 7

The UK has a Star Wars religion on its official list of religions, it was endorsed by the government and everything because it had enough support. Ad they filed enough papers, I guess.

Answer 8

A religion is anything which attempts to tie man and some higher power together.

Answer 9

An invention of man
A cookbook of beliefs and restrictions
Blind obedience of followers
Threat of punishment
Hatred masking as love for the "enemy" (non-believers)

Answer 10

The word "religion" means "that which ties things together." It is usually taken to mean an organizing principle by which one weighs and judges all things in one's life.