Define Religion

[D-END]

I know their is a religion forum but I need responses fast.

I am writing a paper on religion and the prof wants a definition of it.

How do you guys define religion???





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[ReX357]

Mass control.

[system admin]

religion is anything you believe it to be. IMO

[D-END]

religion is anything you believe it to be. IMO

I like that answer but what about characteristics, like batism and praying worship, self reflection...ya know stuff like that.

Basically what makes something a religion???

[anaBROLIC]

The way id describe it is.. a person or a group of peoples beliefs on life..

[system admin]

I like that answer but what about characteristics, like batism and praying worship, self reflection...ya know stuff like that.

Basically what makes something a religion???

You got me there....

[D-END]

The way id describe it is.. a person or a group of peoples beliefs on life..

ok we're getting somewhere........

does religion answer these questions

1. Why are we here?

2. What do we have to live for?

3. What is Humanity?

4. What is the world?

[anaBROLIC]

this is where it gets tough because the answers to those questions will vary from person to person..its all opinions.. which is another part of religion imo

[MrMondodondo]

ok we're getting somewhere........

does religion answer these questions

1. Why are we here?

2. What do we have to live for?

3. What is Humanity?

4. What is the world?

No.
Religion does not need to define why we are here.
Religion will give you a system of how to live, not what to live for.
Doesn't matter what humanity is.
Depending on the religion what the world is is of no matter either

Sooooooooo...........
Religion will give you a belief system to live by.

[D-END]

this is where it gets tough because the answers to those questions will vary from person to person..its all opinions.. which is another part of religion imo

exactly, thats what I want personal opinion

[D-END]

No.
Religion does not need to define why we are here.
Religion will give you a system of how to live, not what to live for.
Doesn't matter what humanity is.
Depending on the religion what the world is is of no matter either

Sooooooooo...........
Religion will give you a belief system to live by.

ok bro, thats it...thats all religion is huh, so I could start a religion today if I wanted to. you can dig a little deeper than that.

[Hed]

Religion to me is a spiritual way of thinking, that allows people to escape the day-to-day world, and promote a healthy belief system and lifestyle. Do i practice, no, not at all, but i see it as just a hobby to people, like lifting.

[wildcatslady]

they say that religion is the response to what we feel is sacred.

[wildcatslady]

Religion originates in an attempt to represent and order beliefs, feelings, imaginings and actions that arise in response to direct experience of the sacred and the spiritual. As this attempt expands in its formulation and elaboration, it becomes a process that creates meaning for itself on a sustaining basis, in terms of both its originating experiences and its own continuing responses.

[IronFreakX]

u believe in a god that u never saw prob never will pray abstain from stuff u like for wut wut if theres no heaven or hell been doing the good stuff for nothing? its a book or books its like the hairy one eyed monster a myth to scare kids and making them do the rite thing and well people say i feel so much better when i pray and blah blah well also keep in mind that theres something called a placebo effect when people belived they were taking painkiller pain did go or get a lil better when they were actually taking nothing if u belive it and its not really there it might work anohter thing Religion is just there to make people feel better

[DevilsDeity]

Pronunciation: ri-'li-j&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English religioun, from Latin religion-, religio supernatural constraint, sanction, religious practice, perhaps from religare to restrain, tie back -- more at RELY
1 a : the state of a religious <a nun in her 20th year of religion> b (1) : the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2) : commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
2 : a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
3 archaic : scrupulous conformity : CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
4 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
- re·li·gion·less adjective

[needmorestrength]

Well religion can be organized or non- organaized. Also there's recognized religions and non recognized, non recognized is often reffered to as a cult . I would say that Religion is a group of people that have the same beliefs and live their life according to the beliefs of the originator. Religion is also political on many levels!

[***xxx***]

ok bro, thats it...thats all religion is huh, so I could start a religion today if I wanted to. you can dig a little deeper than that.

oh, yes, sure u could. write some bull**** in a book, tell some tomfools that this new god gave u that, then write another book, with even more bull**** in it and tell the ppl to live by those rules. and make sure u charge a lot
I guess this is about how scientology works

[Pale Horse]

I woulds say faith defines ones religion. Something that the anal retentives of the world cannot grasp.

[MrMondodondo]

D,

It IS actually pretty simple. And, YES you could start a religion today. Many people start them every year. In fact it is the best business out there besides pornography. It is all not-for-profit and non-taxable. Think of this.......The Mormons have been around since what,, the 1800's? Look how much freakin money they have.

Now, if you want to talk about spirituality that we can get pretty deep with. But, WHAT religion is, is actually pretty simple.

[jonnytour]

religion, in my opinion, is a beliefe in the devine/ a dieity, and living your life according to the wants/desires/ rules set out by this dieity. Now this dieity is not always of the supernatural. This dieity could be you, money, material things, food, alcohol, a spiritual being etc. Make any sense?

[HeavyHitter]

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

[D-END]

D,

It IS actually pretty simple. And, YES you could start a religion today. Many people start them every year. In fact it is the best business out there besides pornography. It is all not-for-profit and non-taxable. Think of this.......The Mormons have been around since what,, the 1800's? Look how much freakin money they have.

Now, if you want to talk about spirituality that we can get pretty deep with. But, WHAT religion is, is actually pretty simple.

You say it is but thousands people including philosophers and religious leaders can't define it, and constantly disagree on what it is.
I don't think you understood the question but thanks anyway.

[MrMondodondo]

That kinda is my point. I'm not really trying to a smart ass so please forgive me if I have come across that way. People have been trying to qualify this for years. This thread asked for personal opinions. Mine is simple that's all. I personally do not adhere to religion per se. I am more spiritual. I pray everyday and meditate most days. That is why I say this subject can be very detailed. But, the question of what is religion? I just kept it simple for my little mind.
Well, I better get the payroll checks out b4 the employees find out what I'm really doing.
I come here for knowledge and enjoyment. I do not flame nor do I expect to be. I will always try to be respectful and courteous(unless I'm trying to be funny) trying being the operative term.
Train Hard.

[D-END]

That kinda is my point. I'm not really trying to a smart ass so please forgive me if I have come across that way. People have been trying to qualify this for years. This thread asked for personal opinions. Mine is simple that's all. I personally do not adhere to religion per se. I am more spiritual. I pray everyday and meditate most days. That is why I say this subject can be very detailed. But, the question of what is religion? I just kept it simple for my little mind.
Well, I better get the payroll checks out b4 the employees find out what I'm really doing.
I come here for knowledge and enjoyment. I do not flame nor do I expect to be. I will always try to be respectful and courteous(unless I'm trying to be funny) trying being the operative term.
Train Hard.

it's all good bro, I know you weren't flaming and I got what I need to finish up my paper so thanks again.

[MrMondodondo]

Good Luck,

I never want to go back to F*ing college as long as I live. All prof's(almost) should be hung by their balls or tits. That was a long time ago for me and I still hate em.......

[Billy_Bathgate]

according to my introduction to religions class i took a few semesters ago

religion is defined by a population of people (that is 1 or 2 people cannot form a religion), that have beliefs, are instatutionalized (ie like churches or monastaries or even group gatherings), have set dictions (or like rules ie 10 commandments), and have an origin (ie creation)

that is the scholastic definition according to some of the top so appointed authorities on religion

[Anteros]

ok we're getting somewhere........

does religion answer these questions

1. Why are we here?

2. What do we have to live for?

3. What is Humanity?

4. What is the world?

if ur looking for some sort of theoretical abstract definition, then you could say something like:

religion is a set of guiding principles subjectively interpreted and applied to help one govern their interaction with themselves, those around them, and the world, in order to live in peace and harmony and to ensure growth and survival.

the key in this...which is what i see religion as btw...is subjectivity, basically, the answer to every one of those questions you posed is the same...it depends...there is no answer...people will take from religion whatever they like, especially considering that religious teachings will be interpreted differently by diff people.

If i was you, id dig within yourself and be honest as to what you see religion as. There is no definition, everyones gonna give you their opinion as to what religion means to them, so open up and throw down what it means to you...