What Makes a Religion, a Religion?

Posted by Scorn on November 6, 2008 at 6:18pm
View Scorn's blog

Ok, I have come across this question in a few groups on MySpace. I decided to answer the question to the best of my ability here.

The first thing a religion needs to be consitered a religion is some fundamental beliefs. It needs to stress some values and rules for life such as treat others as you want to be treated, dont be greedy, ect. It needs to make the person following that religious path want to better themselves.

It also needs a set of tenets and practices, often centered on specific supernatural or moral claims about reality, the cosmos, and human nature. It needs to make an attempt at understanding the world around us and what happens after death. Death is, afterall, a corner-point in all religions.

There also should be a sense of cultural traditions, writing, and mythology, as well as personal faith and religious experience. This last part isnt really a "must-have", but it definatly helps in recruting followers.

And the last thing a religion needs is people who live there life by that relgion. It needs someone to claim that faith as theres. Without this, a religion cannot exist.

This is the best that I could answer the question as of now. I feel that I have covered the basics of what makes a religion real.

Blessed be to all,
Scorn.


TAO
32nd Verse

The Eternal Tao has no name.
Although simple and subtle,
no one in the world can master it.


If kings and lords could harness them,
the 10,000 things would naturally obey.
Heaven and Earth would rejoice
with the dripping of sweet dew.

Everyone would live in harmony,
not by official decree,
but by their own goodness.

Once the whole is divided, the parts
need names.
There are already enough names;
know when to stop.
Know when reasons sets limits
to avoid peril.

Rivers and streams are born of the ocean,
and all creation is born of the Tao.
Just as all water flows back to
become the ocean,
all creation flows back to become the Tao.

~Lao Tzu
Tao Te Ching





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