What consititutes a Religion?

RevKelly · 11-12-2006, 05:28 PM

Does anyone know what constitutes a religion? What makes it a religion as conpared to, say, a social organisation? What is the difference between someone who is religious and someone who is a "psychoanalytical activist"?

I was reading the post about the Jedi religion and just thought I'd ask.

Kelly

Snoopy · 11-12-2006, 07:48 PM

Hi,
Straight in with the easy questions then. Will good old Wiki provide a decent basis?:

"Religion is a system of social coherence based on a common group of beliefs or attitudes concerning an object, person, unseen being, or system of thought considered to be supernatural, sacred, divine or highest truth, and the moral codes, practices, values, institutions, and rituals associated with such belief or system of thought."

I suppose it's the metaphysical element that distinguishes it?

s.

JosephM · 11-12-2006, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snoopy

Hi,
Straight in with the easy questions then. Will good old Wiki provide a decent basis?:

"Religion is a system of social coherence based on a common group of beliefs or attitudes concerning an object, person, unseen being, or system of thought considered to be supernatural, sacred, divine or highest truth, and the moral codes, practices, values, institutions, and rituals associated with such belief or system of thought."

I suppose it's the metaphysical element that distinguishes it?

s.

That seems to pretty well cover it to me.

JM

RevKelly · 11-12-2006, 11:14 PM

Thank you for the straight answer, Snoopy. That's what I came here for - the easy questions.

Does that then mean that the groups that are no longer coherent are no longer a religion?

Snoopy · 11-18-2006, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RevKelly

Does that then mean that the groups that are no longer coherent are no longer a religion?

Hi RevKelly,

How about this: Such groups that are no longer coherent are on the road to a schism. Meanwhile, it is still a religious organisation, but with such “broadness” to it or a major disagreement of some sort, that remaining just one organisation in the future seems unlikely. Of course, should a schism occur, the resulting plurality of organisations would still fit the definition at the start of this thread.

As a Reverend I’m intrigued as to your saying (elsewhere) about possibly banning organised religion. Is this solely because you see so much misuse in the name of religion or do you have other doubts and concerns?

s.

arthra · 11-18-2006, 05:53 PM

This definition is from the American Heritage Dictionary:

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.

--------------------------

RevKelly · 11-19-2006, 03:30 AM

My thinking about banning organized religion (not strictly banning religion) is because too many people are using it as an excuse to Hate. What ever happened to Hate Crimes? Did we forget about them? Did they go by the wayside? (I keep forgetting this a UK site) Hate Crimes are supposed to carry a higher sentence in the U.S. Maybe I should have said that Organized Religion that include Hate as part of their teachings should be banned.

Just my musings,

Kelly

arthra · 11-19-2006, 05:31 AM

I think what is occuring rather is that there are those who are exploiting religion for their own hateful purposes...and unless there are ways they can be exposed and dealt with in the religion they tend to be "successful".

- Art

Snoopy · 11-19-2006, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RevKelly

(I keep forgetting this a UK site) Hate Crimes are supposed to carry a higher sentence in the U.S.

Hi,

Don't worry about this being a "UK" site, I believe hate is very popular all around the world. Laws don't raise consciousness.

s.

17th Angel · 11-20-2006, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RevKelly

What ever happened to Hate Crimes? Did we forget about them? Did they go by the wayside? (I keep forgetting this a UK site) Hate Crimes are supposed to carry a higher sentence in the U.S. Maybe I should have said that Organized Religion that include Hate as part of their teachings should be banned.

Just my musings,

Kelly

What on earth is a hate crime??? Kelly... I could do with some extra cash... On your way to the parking lot tonight on your way home from the office... I smash you in the face with a bat and take your wallet and car... Is that a love crime?

I see some black guy with a handful of cash... I beat him to a pulp and run with the money.... thats a hate crime? Why because he is black? Isn't that discriminating?... Any crime is of hate. You don't do it cause you care for the victim.

RevKelly · 11-21-2006, 12:23 AM

The Hate part of the crime you describe is if you do it not just to steal or just to be generally malicious, but BECAUSE he is Black. If there is a prejudice involved that is included or is the reason that initiates the crime. Just about everybody has a wallet with money in it. It becomes a Hate crime if you do it because of someone's ethnicity or background or even ideology. It has to do with the intent for the crime. If the intent is to steal money, that's just a crime. If the intent is to steal money from someone because you don't like their ethnicity, then the intent is Hate.

Peace,

Kelly