what is religion ?

[goliwog]

what is religion ?

Buddhism does not have a God, yet it is a religion. Many christians do not stick to a bunch of rituals or rules, yet christianity is a religion. Is athiesm a religion ? is Confucianism a religion ? Is it possible to still be religious if you dont go to church, dont keep the rules and dont do the rituals ?

 

[TravisD]

Religion is simply put, "a way of life"... or my favorite definition from Webster.... "scrupulous conformity". Being religious doesn't really mean anything IMO.

 

[Jpark]

what is religion ?

Buddhism does not have a God, yet it is a religion. Many christians do not stick to a bunch of rituals or rules, yet christianity is a religion. Is athiesm a religion ? is Confucianism a religion ? Is it possible to still be religious if you dont go to church, dont keep the rules and dont do the rituals ?

You just answered your question.

Religion is written code. Everything is done by a book or by writings.

 

[dies-l]

Here's the definition that I think is most universally accepted:

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.

By, this definition Buddhism is a religion in the sense that it is a belief system about the cause, nature, purpose of the universe.

Christianity is a religion for the same reason and because it attributes a supernatural explanation and has a moral code. As does Islam, and so forth.

Religion is neither inherently good or bad.

 

[steven999]

I think dies-l has a good definition.
You can still be religious without going to church, as long as you act in accordance with your religious beliefs.

"Many christians do not stick to a bunch of rituals or rules, yet christianity is a religion." - That would just mean that a lot of people who consider themselves Christians aren't following their religion very strictly.

Atheism would not be a religion. Confucianism is more of an ethical philosophy based on the thoughts of Confucius, I don't think it explains the origin or nature of the universe, and I don't think it's based on a supernatural force. I don't think Confucianism is a religion, but this might be worth looking into: www(dot)en.wikipedia(dot)org/wiki/Confucianism#Debate_over_classification

 

[SeraphimsCherub]

what is religion ?

Buddhism does not have a God, yet it is a religion. Many christians do not stick to a bunch of rituals or rules, yet christianity is a religion. Is athiesm a religion ? is Confucianism a religion ? Is it possible to still be religious if you dont go to church, dont keep the rules and dont do the rituals ?

This Noah Webster's Deffinition of Religion.
Religion
RELIGION, n. relij'on. [L. religio, from religo, to bind anew; re and ligo, to bind. This word seems originally to have signified an oath or vow to the gods, or the obligation of such an oath or vow, which was held very sacred by the Romans.]
1. Religion, in its most comprehensive sense, includes a belief in the being and perfections of God, in the revelation of his will to man, in man's obligation to obey his commands, in a state of reward and punishment, and in man's accountableness to God; and also true godliness or piety of life, with the practice of all moral duties. It therefore comprehends theology, as a system of doctrines or principles, as well as practical piety; for the practice of moral duties without a belief in a divine lawgiver, and without reference to his will or commands, is not religion.
2. Religion, as distinct from theology, is godliness or real piety in practice, consisting in the performance of all known duties to God and our fellow men, in obedience to divine command, or from love to God and his law. James 1.
3. Religion, as distinct from virtue, or morality, consists in the performance of the duties we owe directly to God, from a principle of obedience to his will. Hence we often speak of religion and virtue, as different branches of one system, or the duties of the first and second tables of the law.
Let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion.
4. Any system of faith and worship. In this sense, religion comprehends the belief and worship of pagans and Mohammedans, as well as of christians; any religion consisting in the belief of a superior power or powers governing the world, and in the worship of such power or powers. Thus we speak of the religion of the Turks, of the Hindoos, of the Indians, &c. as well as of the christian religion. We speak of false religion, as well as of true religion.
5. The rites of religion; in the plural.

 

[SeraphimsCherub]

religion is a person's way of explaining the things around them, and giving their life guidelines and rules. and instead of actually coming up with their own beliefs, they can find a religion where they don't have to think, and just accept that its the truth. So, basicly, a religion is just a way to cheat our brain into thinking we are safe.

That's why it's absolutely essential that one's religion is Supernaturally born within someone by "The Spirit of Truth":John 16:13 (KJV) Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
John 14:17 (KJV) Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
John 4:23-24 (KJV) Jn 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
John 14:6 (KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

 

[SeraphimsCherub]

Well why don't you honestly face GOD like a man, and tell Him how the thought of religion makes you feel inside? And then ask Him...If You are Truly Real, then would You please be kind to Reveal YourSelf too me!! I can't gaurntee you that He Will answer your prayer right then-&-there; but i can garauntee that He Will Reveal Himself too you in form or another in your life's circumstances that you will know for a 100% fact that He Is Real, and Cares for you, and Loves you Infinately More than you will ever be able to fathom or comprehend!! I Pray Father GOD that You Will Draw the Jedi-Master toward's You By the Almighty Power of Your Holy Spirit-Through Christ Jesus Your Son!! i thank You LORD for already answering this prayer before i even prayed it, and bringing it Perfectly to pass in the Jedi- Master's life in the Perfect time that You Have Ordained!!! For i can already see through the Eye's of Your Spirit Through Faith, that He is a chosen vessel of Your's!!! In Christ Jesus Name i pray this unto him AMEN!!!!!!!!!!

 

[d'Albert]

Personally, I think a practical definition of religion is any system of beliefs, practices, doctrines, rituals, traditions, teachings, etc. established by man to get closer to what they believe to be God (whatever that view might be).

Relationship is different than religion - relationship is what God seeks with man.

Religion requires an object for its basis - but also requires the object never come into contact with its adherents.

Relationship requires contact (or "closeness") with those involved in the relationship. It ceases to be a relationship without such contact. There is no relationship in distance.

Religion requires distance, separation, and breaks down when the object of the religion gets [too] close. Religion then worships the separation and is threatened when it breaks down.

Religion is thus antithetical to relationship. This was the battle Jesus fought with the religious leaders of Israel, whose religion refused a relationship with Him, was threatened by His closeness, despised His being, very quickly sought to kill Him, and ultimately did.

 

[dies-l]

Personally, I think a practical definition of religion is any system of beliefs, practices, doctrines, rituals, traditions, teachings, etc. established by man to get closer to what they believe to be God (whatever that view might be).

Relationship is different than religion - relationship is what God seeks with man.

Religion requires an object for its basis - but also requires the object never come into contact with its adherents.

Relationship requires contact (or "closeness") with those involved in the relationship. It ceases to be a relationship without such contact. There is no relationship in distance.

Religion requires distance, separation, and breaks down when the object of the religion gets [too] close. Religion then worships the separation and is threatened when it breaks down.

Religion is thus antithetical to relationship. This was the battle Jesus fought with the religious leaders of Israel, whose religion refused a relationship with Him, was threatened by His closeness, despised His being, very quickly sought to kill Him, and ultimately did.

This is a common distinction made within evangelical Christian circles, but I don't think that it reflects an understanding of "religion" that is held by anyone else. Religion, as it is typically understood, is a necessary prerequisite for a relationship with God.

 

[cubinity]

what is religion ?

Buddhism does not have a God, yet it is a religion. Many christians do not stick to a bunch of rituals or rules, yet christianity is a religion. Is athiesm a religion ? is Confucianism a religion ? Is it possible to still be religious if you dont go to church, dont keep the rules and dont do the rituals ?

I personal believe that one religiously does something when they do it repeatedly, consistently, and systematically.

So, whether you are worshipping your god, meditating to the void of space, washing dishes in the sink, or playing that new video game, you are behaving religiously.

That which you do religiously is your religion.

"Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." - Romans 6

So, when speaking of religions, anything and everything can be a religion if you submit or devote yourself to it or to doing what it expects of you.

 

[king of sprites]

religion is a rules that you must follow it or a group of instructions.

 

[cubinity]

religion is a rules that you must follow it or a group of instructions.

Like only posting in authorized forums?

 

[chingchang]

what is religion ?

Buddhism does not have a God, yet it is a religion. Many christians do not stick to a bunch of rituals or rules, yet christianity is a religion. Is athiesm a religion ? is Confucianism a religion ? Is it possible to still be religious if you dont go to church, dont keep the rules and dont do the rituals ?

Religion is man's attempt to reach God. You reach God by following rules, doing certain actions and thinking like everyone else. The fruit of religion often is bigotry, strife, war, guilt and a false sense of spirit. You don't have to agree with me....

Hugs,
CC

 

[d'Albert]

This is a common distinction made within evangelical Christian circles, but I don't think that it reflects an understanding of "religion" that is held by anyone else. Religion, as it is typically understood, is a necessary prerequisite for a relationship with God.

Hmmm. Well, I have to disagree.

The typical understanding of religion is not only counter to a healthy relationship with God, but it harbors and practically reinforces a state of virtual enmity for Him - case in point, my example in my first post - the religionists of Jesus' era; not only did they not seek a relationship with Him, they sought quite the contrary - to destroy Him - and that almost as soon as they met Him, for He stood in absolute clarity of opposition to everything they thought, believed, and practiced. It wasn't religion that raised Him from the dead (or "raises" us up with Him in likewise fashion) - but it certainly was religion that created the need. Moreover, it's religion that always splits the body asunder - then (I Cor 1), and today. That's not some "evangelical" distinction - it's basic scripture and practical truth.

"True religion" is for the religionist a let-down, a disappointment, an inconvenience, a hindrance; but as James defines it (Jas 1:27), it is for the non-religious a source of true fulfillment, encouragement, reward, and joy.

 

[dies-l]

Hmmm. Well, I have to disagree.

That's allowed. But, not recommended (jk)

The typical understanding of religion is not only counter to a healthy relationship with God, but it harbors and practically reinforces a state of virtual enmity for Him - case in point, my example in my first post - the religionists of Jesus' era; not only did they not seek a relationship with Him, they sought quite the contrary - to destroy Him - and that almost as soon as they met Him, for He stood in absolute clarity of opposition to everything they thought, believed, and practiced. It wasn't religion that raised Him from the dead (or "raises" us up with Him in likewise fashion) - but it certainly was religion that created the need. Moreover, it's religion that always splits the body asunder - then (I Cor 1), and today. That's not some "evangelical" distinction - it's basic scripture and practical truth.

I think that you are confusing religion with legalism. The problem with the Pharisees was not that they were religious. Jesus was religious. So were the apostles. So were the early Christians. The problem with the Pharisees is that they were legalistic. Jesus doesn't criticize them for being religious; he criticizes them for being legalistic. Same with Paul and the Judaizers. Unfortunately, it has become trendy lately to conflate "religion" with a sort of fake spirituality or legalism. However, religion, correctly understood, is nothing more than a belief in a deity or spirituality that shapes one's view of the world. Religion, the underlying belief in God, makes relationship with God possible. You cannot have a relationship with someone you don't believe exists.

"True religion" is for the religionist a let-down, a disappointment, an inconvenience, a hindrance; but as James defines it (Jas 1:27), it is for the non-religious a source of true fulfillment, encouragement, reward, and joy.

That is an interesting view of James 1:27. I don't see James criticizing religion in the slightest here. In fact, I see him recognizing that religion can be good or bad. It can be legalistic and self-focused, or it can be grace-filled and others focused. He is not calling anyone to abandon religion, but rather to choose religion that is focused on loving and serving others, especially those who are most vulnerable, and by doing so, loving God.

 

[AllOrNothing]

Joseph Campbell gave a good definition of religion..

RE= BACKWARDS.. as in.... reverse.. revise.. remember… return..

LIGION = TO LINK… to connect up.. to bind together as one..

So religion means… to link back… to connect back to our true identity.

After some more research.. and pondering.. I modified this definition and came up with my own...

Which is… religion means to RE-UNITE

My reasoning being.... the purpose of religion is to reunite us ALL..

St Paul warns us to be aware of men who make separations.. and form sects

In the story of the Fall… Adam (symbolizing mankind)… and Eve (symbolizing a Serpent worshiping religion).. are thrown out of Eden and become separated from God... because they didn’t listen.

Then.. in the book of Hebrews.. we are once again united.. God and mankind existing as One….

A Union.. The Two becoming as One flesh. A marriage between the Spirit of God and mankind occurs on earth.. according to prophecy..

The Spirit of God becomes manifest in human hearts and minds.. in the form of the Spirit of Loving kindness.. Righteousness.. Justice.. Peace.. Wisdom.. Truth and Freedom….. which brings us to the knowledge of God..

---

“And they will by no means teach each one his fellow citizen and each one his brother, saying: "Know God!" For they will all know me, from the least one to the greatest one of them.” - Hebrews 8:11

----

In Buddhism the God concept is replaced by the concept of the True Self.. but still contains the same meaning.. but served up with a more philosophical approach.. to the question of our true identity.

Buddha taught.. Loving kindness.. Righteousness.. Justice.. Peace.. Wisdom.. Truth and Freedom.. should be central to all religious teachings.

These seem to be the hallmark of what any authentic religion should believe in… the knowledge of the heart.

----
“As the light of the moon is sixteen times stronger than the light of all the stars, so LOVING KINDNESS is sixteen times more efficacious in liberating the heart than all other religious accomplishments taken together.”

The throne of TRUTH is RIGHEOUSNESS; and LOVE and JUSTICE and good-will are its ornaments."


"WISDOM should be central to all religious teachings"

"Religious WISDOM brings PEACE forever.”

"Religious teaching has only one flavor - EMACIPATION"

"Religious TRUTH is the highest treasure of all.”

Quotes from Buddhist Scriptures.