What Is Religion?

[Wilder]

I'll keep this short and simple: is any given Religion defined by what it's holy books say, or what the followers believe?

As far as I can tell, the two are never the same.

edit: My question my have been a bit vague, judging by some of the responses I have gotten here. I am not looking for a general definition of religion; if you want that, take an anthropology class. Rather I am looking for people's opinions as to whether the true concepts of any given religion are from the holy books (Qur'an, Bible et al), or in the hearts and minds of believers.

[Trey]

It is clearly both. The followers belief + holy book= interpretation, or definition of religion.

[PointOfViewGun]

In it's purest form it's what the book says.

[Orko]

In it's purest form it's what the book says.

In it'spurest form, that is correct. But it also includes what the followers believe.

[Blue_Hoplite85]

I say that religion is the way that the ancients explained whtat could not be explained at the time

[Marie Louise von Preussen]

Religion is the essence of the soul and being - everyone has his own religion, which consists in his interpretation of facts, of nature and his ultimate goals, metaphysical or not.

[Tankbuster]

Well, most religions start out with some sort of holy book, most likely plagued by internal contradictions and historical inaccuracies or blatant falsehoods. As the evidence against the literal interpretation of their books accumulates, however, the followers will (hopefully) adapt their message.

Religion is the essence of the soul and being - everyone has his own religion, which consists in his interpretation of facts, of nature and his ultimate goals, metaphysical or not.

No. Not everyone has a religion.
A religion is not just a belief system, and not just any belief system is a religion either.

[Desperado †]

Religion is the essence of the soul and being - everyone has his own religion, which consists in his interpretation of facts, of nature and his ultimate goals, metaphysical or not.

You confuse religion and belief. Religion is a set of conforming beliefs which a group all follow, even though each persons individual belief is usually unique (though within the 'rules' of their religion).

[Horsa]

Each Religion/Faith is different. you can't really define them together, each would have its own answer.

Perhaps if you had a certain Religion you are referring to? It would help if you did.

[LSJ]

A problem is that not every religion has a holy book or scriptures, nor a clearly defined set of beliefs.

[Wu'a'ihiwalu]

Religion is accepting dogmas as prejudices, without further thinking. Atheism is one of these religions.

[dogukan]

Religion is accepting dogmas as prejudices, without further thinking. Atheism is one of these religions.

atheism is not a general concept. It is the general name given to not believing any superior being/god(s)...thats all. It doesn't have any rules, it's just a general name.


Anyway, I thought Karl Marx summed it up pretty well....religion is the opium of people.

[Wu'a'ihiwalu]

atheism is not a general concept. It is the general name given to not believing any superior being/god(s)...thats all. It doesn't have any rules, it's just a general name.

False.

[Orko]

Religion is accepting dogmas as prejudices, without further thinking. Atheism is one of these religions.

Captain hypocrisy, to the rescue!

[Wilder]

Religion is accepting dogmas as prejudices, without further thinking. Atheism is one of these religions.

I think this bares a response, if only do avoid derailing the thread. If I was unclear in my question, I apologize, but I am not looking for a general definition of religion; if you want that, take an anthropology class. Rather I am looking for people's opinions as to whether the true concepts of any given religion are from the holy books (Qur'an, Bible et al), or in the hearts and minds of believers. Frankly though I think you knew that and, given your posting history, you just wanted to pick a fight. This is my thread, so I would take it as a kindness If you didn't because I really do not know the answer to the question I have asked, and would like to hear peoples answers.

If you want to discus whether atheism is a religion, make another thread, I promise I will post. Actually if you want to take this assertion to Gar's fight club, I would happily oblige.

[Manco]

Ah yes, a New Age atheist believes the same things as a weak atheist. Pixies, aliens building pyramids and that stuff.

[Ummon]

Religion is a state of mind.

[Hippolord]

Religion is a state of mind.

Religion is a State of Being, which goes beyond the mind.

[Helm]

It's a load of well meaning mumbojumbo and nonsense.

[Ummon]

It's a load of well meaning mumbojumbo and nonsense.

Very unlikely, I'm afraid. If it is mumbo-jumbo it is not well-meaning, if it is well-meaning it's because it is exceedingly complex.