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lifeinwinter

- 2 years ago

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How would you define

I am currently taking a college course called Methods in the Study of Religion. So far, we have spent the entire time trying to define the word "religion." Keeping in mind, it has to basically encompass all religions out there, not just our own. So far it's been pretty hard, so I'm wondering, how would you define it?

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@lifeinwinter a belief in a god, or more than one god, and the activities surrounding those beliefs.

Define the word religion: encompassing all religions out there.
Define the word noun: encompassing all nouns out there.
There you go. :)

To me religion is a way to get back to God relying on one's own works. There are a set of rituals, rules, behaviours, practices, observance that if faithfully performed with somehow "prove" oneself worthy or perhaps "earn" the reward desired. Unfortunately trying to get back to God through our own works invariably leads to fear that it's not enough, condemnation when ideals are compromised, or at it's worse a game of judgement and condemnation of others in a vain attempt to bolster feelings of self-righteousness. ("Vain" in all aspects of the word).

Most religions have at their core, a belief-system charged more by faith than by works. I think those that find this have a good chance of avoiding the fears, condemnation and shows of religion.

(Don't know if that helped. It's definitely not a "commonly accepted" view -- but it's based on lots of observation!)

SoulPancake

lifeinwinter

How would you define

DanielPotashov

@lifeinwinter a belief in a god, or more than one god, and the activities surrounding those beliefs.

somejerk

Define the word religion: encompassing all religions out there.
Define the word noun: encompassing all nouns out there.
There you go. :)

Griz

zamfir

"Organized religion is a Choose Your Own Adventure novel for people of extremely limited imagination." ~ Jacob M. Appel

isotelesis

Religion is the binding of social groups into abiding by a shared set of principles, practices, and beliefs.

idamines

Religion is a daughter of Hope and Fear, explaining to Ignorance the nature of the Unknowable.
---Ambrose Bierce

kensho1111

I define religion as a set of beliefs designed by man to control others through fear, hate, and ignorance.

How would you define

@lifeinwinter a belief in a god, or more than one god, and the activities surrounding those beliefs.

Define the word religion: encompassing all religions out there.Define the word noun: encompassing all nouns out there.There you go. :)

"Organized religion is a Choose Your Own Adventure novel for people of extremely limited imagination." ~ Jacob M. Appel

Religion is the binding of social groups into abiding by a shared set of principles, practices, and beliefs.

Religion is a daughter of Hope and Fear, explaining to Ignorance the nature of the Unknowable.---Ambrose Bierce

I define religion as a set of beliefs designed by man to control others through fear, hate, and ignorance.

What's Next?

Define the word religion: encompassing all religions out there.
Define the word noun: encompassing all nouns out there.
There you go. :)

Religion is a daughter of Hope and Fear, explaining to Ignorance the nature of the Unknowable.
---Ambrose Bierce