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Originally Posted by Happy Monkey
That's what religion is. People's interpretations. That's why there are Catholics and Protestants.
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These are the definitions that a search at dictionary.com came up with
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re-li-gion /ri-lij-uhn/
–noun 1. 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.
2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
4. the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
5. the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
6. something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice.
7. religions, Archaic. religious rites.
8. Archaic. strict faithfulness; devotion: a religion to one's vow.
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I am using definition #2: a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
I know that religion is
shaped by people's interpretation, but most religions are based in a text which gives the guidlines for the religion. THAT is what religion is. Guidelines or "a specific fundamental set of beliefs or practices."