Definitions of Religion
5 September 2006

These definitions were culled from previous students and course readings:

1. Being a Christian, I believe that religion is the personal relationship between one and God, as well as His son, Jesus. It is the values and morals that one practices during their life. Having a strong religion and faith means that one must believe without seeing. No other human reality has that. As human beings, we like concrete answers. This makes having a strong religion hard for most everyone.
2. To me religion is trusting and believing in a higher power, God. This trust enables a person to have faith that God will always be there for them. Religion can give a person hope and confidence that will help them in difficult times. Religion also sets up a persons values, beliefs, and morals. It guides people through life and can influence their family structure, social issues, education, and politics.
3. I think in general religion is a hard thing to define. The meanings vary as the person explaining them does. But, my personal definition of religion is something that a person can go to for comfort, for advice and guidance, for a sense of completion and an overall feeling of belonging. Religion something that you can only feel to understand it, something that is at once both deeply personal and something that can be shared with everyone. Religion is has many things that no other human reality holds. One example of this is the ability to be something that no one can see but has many followers. People die for religion, fight wars for religion and spend their lives following religion, though they many not have ever had any proof of what they are following. Religion is many things, but this paragraph illustrates what it religion is to me.
4. I would define religion as being something a person or some group believes in. It is the way some people go by in their lives. People think that religion is the basis of their lives and they follow what their religion is. My religion is that I believe in God and the catholic church.
5. I would define religion as something that a person or people are able to believe in, not so much just believe, but honestly and truly devote themselves to. Something that they would give endless time, dedication, and even their lives to protect. In a religion, it not only contains the human, alive, actual people you can talk and get guidance from. It also contains the aspect of a sort of "spiritual" guide whom the person has never cordially met, seen, or actually talked to, yet they still believe they can be helped by them.
6. Every person has their own definition of what religion means to them. I have been a Catholic my entire life and have come up with my own definition for what religion means to me. I would describe religion as a belief, and a faith, in a higher being or power. You may never know during your life on earth if this higher being or power truly exists or not. Religion is a commitment to this belief, living your life as though it were true. This is different from human realities because no matter how strongly you believe in your religion, there is no way you can physically prove that what you believe is true, and that who you believe in actually exists. If you were religious, you would not live your life the same way you would if you believed only in the realities of life on earth. You would live in preparation of a higher place. You wouldn’t worry so much about death, because that wouldn’t mean that you were completely finished. A religion gives you something to believe in, something to look forward to. For some people, it may be the only thing that gets them through the day. Another difference is that faith and devotion involved in religion is nothing like faith or devotion that can be found in human realities. In religion, it is so much deeper and more complex. I’m not sure exactly how to describe this. People who don’t have a religion will probably never experience the extent of devotion and faith that they can find in a religion. You can be devoted to your job, but chances are you are doing it for the money or some other materialistic human idea. A devotion to religion, however, is done on your free will for the good of yourself. My definition of religion is not exactly the same as everyone else’s. The reason for this is that different life and religious experiences shape the way I think and feel, as well as the way others think and feel. I don’t think one definition can be better than another, because it just depends on how you feel about the topic the experiences you have had with religion
7. I would define religion as a set of beliefs that people hold to be true. It is a community of people sharing their common faith and beliefs. Religion is also about people having a personal relationship with some type of higher being. Some religions believe in a single god, and their beliefs focus on furthering their relationship with that god. Some religions that believe in multiple gods have beliefs of pleasing the gods and having some type of relationship with them. All religions have belief in some type of higher being. Religion is something that people feels completes them as a person, and contributes to their own personal and spiritual growth as a human being. I do not think that there is anything other aspect of human reality, that can satisfy people the way that religion does.
8. Religion is an organized community that believes in either one god, many gods, or a superior being. Religion contains sacred rituals such as mass and baptisms. In all religion prayers are involved and symbols are used to display what god or gods they believe in such as a cross in christianity. . The qualities that religion has that no other human reality has is the ability to make people not fear death. In all religion except atheism most believe in either heaven or reincarnation. This causes people to be less scared of dying because they know they do not just stop existing. Religion also helps people in time of crisis by filling them with faith and hope through prayer, meditation, and consultation with the clergy. It gives them the type of help that no one else can give them.
9. Personally I would define religion as a type of a belief or system in which people can worship. In order to have a religion there has to be a belief in something such as God or gods. The belief relies on an element of faith. In order to have faith in something there has to be an element of doubt. Religion is having faith in things unseen. In human realities having faith in something requires little if any doubt and most things are visual. That is what differentiates religion from human reality.
10. I think that religion has more to do with your own life experiences than with what you learn in books or from going to church. Most people start with a basic knowledge of religion from their family and culture, once they have that base they reaffirm what they believe in. Religion is beyond something that can be easily explained. It is a higher power than any one person can comprehend, although we all try in one way or another. There are things that happen in everyone's life that can only be explained by looking to a more powerful being. Miracles happen everyday. Religion is just what people use to support why these things happened to them.
11. First off it has to be said that religion and faith are not the same thing. One can have faith that his basketball team will win. Faith in the Lord is the feeling in ones heart that compels a person to believe that there is a power near this earth that is greater than Man's. Religion is the vehicle that a follower of a God uses to keep that faith in his heart. Religions are the walls that are built around the foundations of faith. There are many different types of religion, but every single kind houses the same insurmountable faith that each man and woman keeps so close to their heart. Scripture says where to or three are gathered in prayer the Lord is there with them. Prayer comes from religion as does the community of a church. Religion is used to help people with similar beliefs to come together to worship. One could say that religion was created by man to keep him strong, and to explain phenomenon. But in truth such things such as the Word and the Pope, which are tools of religion, are inspired directly by God. I could go on and on forever about all the different things that religion is, and the different things it provides, but the bottom line is that there is no religion without faith.
12. I would define religion as an individual's beliefs and practices in regards to a "higher being." I think that there is no right or wrong in religion. I think that it is however an individual thinks. I would have to say that a religion is something that can be called upon for guidance and support. A religion is something that is there when needed, in any situation or circumstance.
13. The meaning of religion is something that differs greatly among the many diverse people of the world. Some people have a very close-minded, distinct definition of religion, while others have a more broad and open definition. I, for one, describe the meaning of religion to be the spirituality of oneself, regarding certain beliefs and faiths about the idea of praise and worship to a distinct figure(s) or being(s). I think the most important factor of a religion refers to the idea of putting one's trust into a figure of worship. I also feel that being religious means believing that there is at least one creator or caretaker of all things. Many times, one who practices religion may turn to these beings in times of need, hardship, praise, or thanksgiving. I definitely believe that religion is a human reality. However, it is not always something one you can visualize, hear, touch, or smell.
14. Religion is a life-strengthening force from God that, when a person is young, serves to instruct him or her on how to make sense of, and deal with, the world and his or her life; but, by the time he or she becomes wiser, it enables him or her to master its principles, thereby allowing those principles to be spiritually enjoyed and taught to a new generation. Throughout the history of the world, people have fashioned their lives in accordance with what is known as religion. Many have lived for, died for, and even killed for this ever-present guide in their life. Yet simply stating this does not accurately depict the aspects of a given religion. After all, people have shaped their lives according to genocidal dictators and have killed for material possessions. Religion separates itself with a few distinct qualities. Most importantly, it is primarily faith based. One cannot use science to definitively prove that greater powers exist—it must be believed. In this sense, it completely detaches itself from standard forms of human reality. Also, religion can be experienced in a group or by oneself, at any place or time, and without any material possessions because its most powerful qualities are those that exist within the mind or heart of the practitioner. No other feature of human existence can claim to be so easily widespread, while being so simple to experience. Lastly, a religion gives anyone who follows it courage, hope, and/or a sense of being loved that strengthens every individual aspect of daily life. Relationships with others can provide feelings of less magnitude than this; but they are different from religion in that these feelings are rooted in the religion and not the relationship itself.
15. The main idea that I believe defines religion is a way of organizing one's beliefs and turning them into rituals. Religion can also be defined by using the words faith, belief, spirituality, rules, and prayers. Religion is a way to connect by using all these words, to another level of living, whether that is heaven or some other level. Religion is also a way to rejoin with the people who have gone before you. But mainly to me religion is a way to organize one's thoughts and beliefs of the supernatural world.
16. Religion is an organized way to show appreciation, love, admiration, and ask for forgiveness, sympathy, strength, and patience to a higher power.
17. I would define religion as a way of life. Many people have died for their religions and beliefs. Like my family, we go to church every Sunday and it is just the way it has been since I was born. Many people choose to use the faith and many people don’t, but it will always be there for you. I wouldn’t be used to not having religion; that is why I think religion is a way of life. Our culture has strong views on believing things when we see them; it is just human nature. A large part of religion is having faith in your God and religion. It is a hard thing to concept for some people, thinking of a higher power that you can’t see. You put all your faith and hope into something that you don’t even know exists. That is why I think religion differs from human reality.
18. Throughout the world, individuals have opposing viewpoints as to what religion exactly encompasses. For some people, religion plays an integral role in the shaping, as well as daily activities, of their lives. For others, religion takes a back burner, and other more materialistic facets of life are pushed to the forefront. People may hold the latter view towards religion because they have never been made aware of the power that religions possesses . I define religion as any act of belief and worship that strengthens a person’s way of thinking, while also allowing one to move closer towards a particular state of being. For example, Catholics believe in and worship God, which they believe will allow them to reach the state of eternal life. Religion is different from other human realities in the fact that many different forms of worship are available and will eventually lead to the same goal. When people practice their religion, there are no guidelines as to how they must go about this practice, but instead there are different methods of worship which are acceptable. Religion allows one to openly express themselves and their beliefs.
19. I would define religion as a belief in a higher power or spiritual being. Religion can also be looked at in terms of a social organization. In a religion the community looks up toward a higher being and therefore a social structure exists. I think that a religion encompasses compassion, love, faith and understanding as well as unity. A religion is unique because the community shares common ethical, moral and spiritual ideals that are influenced by a desire to emulate a higher being.
20. I am an extremely religious person and I have my own opinion of what religion is. To me, religion is the basic belief in a higher spiritual being. It is a belief that we are all here due to a higher entity, not by our own ability or through the abilities of science. In my opinion there are other characteristics that define religion besides just the simple belief. I feel that religion not only involves believing in a higher being, but also worshiping, praising, or in someway recognizing that higher, better spiritual being. Not necessarily recognizing it through rituals, but in someway admitting one's belief. I also am of the opinion that religion also includes some type of personal relationship with the higher being. For example, but not necessarily, praying or talking to the higher power. I do not feel that religion is always necessarily connected to a church. I believe that religion does not consist of rituals alone, in fact, I feel that the belief itself and one's support of the belief is far more important than any rituals required by a place of worship. Religion is a place where people can take comfort in, feel protected and turn to in their time of need. The main facet of my definition of religion that really is not found in other human reality is the relationship with a higher spiritual being. There really is no other place in human norms where spirituality and relationships with God or higher spiritual beings come into play, or are of great significance.
21. Defining religion is difficult for me an eighteen-year-old who has had many questions about my own beliefs on religion. Religion to me, is the belief in a higher power of some sort which involves rituals, faith, prayer, and friendship. Faith is involved in other life aspects, but not on a level similar to religion. We have faith in friends, co-workers, and spouses. Faith on a religious level is different because we are putting faith in something we can not see or speak to. Higher Powers are not tangible and this is why faith is so important in religion. We have to believe our higher power is there although there is no contact, that we are so used to in our daily lives. Prayer is a reality which is almost always found in religion. Our Higher Power is not available for conversations, so you have have a healthy prayer relationship with God. This is the only way of communicating with the your higher power.
22. Religion is a belief in something greater than one's self. The person can view this greater being in a single animate or inanimate thing or it can be based in several animate or inanimate beings or things. The central idea is the belief system of the person doing the believing. Normally such a system contains devised rituals and ceremonies. In most, the person does not share these believes individually, but is a part of a larger group that shares the same believes, rituals, ceremonies, and traditions. It is this believe in the greater being that sets a religion a part from other human reality.
23. Religion is the study and practice of the morals and teachings of a god or other form of supernatural being. These morals usually mold the culture for the people who practice this specific religion. Human reality in most cases does not have the promise of an afterlife as a reward for living the way that specific religion deems fit. There are usually stories that go with the religion that seem a bit far-fetched but yet we are supposed to believe in them and follow the lessons that they teach.
24. Being Hispanic, religion has always been a big part in my life. Through what my parents have taught me and what I've learned for myself, I can define religion as putting all your faith in a being that neither I nor anyone else has ever seen. Religion to me is living your life to please God, to do things right so when your time is up here on earth you can join him in his wonderful kingdom up in heaven. Religion to me is putting all your trust into a being that you don't know for a fact exists but in your heart and in your mind you know he/she is there watching, protecting, and trying to help if you let him/her. Religion is worshiping God because of everything he has done for us. He sent his own son and knew that he was going to be killed but he sent Jesus to earth anyway to save us humans.
25. Religion is based on faith and not facts. Religion is having a belief in something that is unknown. Religion has a mystery behind it. because no one knows that what happens after you die and why bad things happen on earth. Religion is passed from generation to generation.
26. I believe religion involves not only a relationship with God, but also how we recognize our own personal beliefs. Furthermore, what is the significance of God when applied to human lives? Religion is a broad term since many people practice their faith to several various degrees of intensity. Religion bears more significance than simply worshiping God. Religion involves incorporating our faith into our daily lives. People have unique ways of both expressing faith and worshipping God. I also take into account the vast number of religious faiths that exist in the world. For example, I know several people who are of different faiths other than mine, which is Catholic. A few have even questioned me about what my faith professes and how it contrasts from theirs. Some of those questions included, “Why do you have such a high respect for Mary? Why do you make the sign of the cross? Why do you worship Jesus on the cross?” After considering these concepts, I have reached the conclusion that religion involves several aspects. Religion centers around a god, however, whatever that god may be religion involves including faith in god into your life. Other factors also include personal relationship, professing our personal beliefs and faith, and finally give us hope and faith in God. I have a close friend who is Catholic, and practices much more aggressively then I do. She always prays, applies what she believes in, and has faith in God whenever she encounters a great ordeal. To me she is expressing religion, as well as all the aspects that make up religion. Religion provides us with comfort and helps us cope with tribulations that we face throughout our life. Religion gives us faith, love, strength, and makes life significant. Religion is God, life, faith, and how we interpret our values and apply them to the world.
27. Religion is the belief in a supreme being. Religion has trust in the unknown. This is something that humans have a problem with. The faith that when you die you are going to a place better then here. no one knows if this is true or not but we trust in our religion.
28. religion is a combination of our beliefs, philosophies, and attitudes towards God or any other supernatural, a belief that we practice and devote our faith to. Each religion can be different, some requiring more devotion towards worshipping, while other religions feel that a person’s beliefs should be practiced in their everyday life. For example, some religions in the Middle East require them to worship many times a day, regardless of work or responsibilities. On the other hand Catholicism only requires that you attend church once a week if possible, but it expects you to direct your beliefs towards becoming a better person throughout daily life.
29. religion is all about faith. When I think of religion I think of believing in a higher power than anything humanly possible. Having religion gives people a sense of peace, knowing that they have something to believe in and something that can make them feel wholesome. Sometimes one can think of religion as something to rely on when things get bad. I know I do it all the time when I'm in a bad situation.
30. Religion is a belief in a higher power. It is having faith that there is some sort of being that is superior to mankind, and that at some point this being interacted with humans directly or sent a messenger to deliver Its teachings. This belief does not have to stem from an organized religion, it just has to be what an individual believes in regards to a superior presence. A religion can believe in a superior omniscient being, like God in the Catholic belief, or it can be of a creator and power in all around you, like Native Americans. Religions can believe in one God or many gods. Religion can not really be restricted, it can be anything that you believe and have faith in.
31. I would define religion as a strong belief in any type of object, not just a belief in a supernatural being, but a belief in any item, animate or inanimate. A “religion” has one primary facet that no other human reality has: strong faith in a vague issue.
32. I would define religion best by saying it is the free will of an individual in which he or she believes or follows a belief or a spiritual sign in which in order to understand, you must have faith. It is an original feeling which exist in your inner-self but you have to find it. Only the individual can feel or believe what he or she wants. It is unique. Everyone reacts different to any religion. Faith within the religion, priest, doubts about faith, the Eucharist, confession, blessings, the church, individuality, and the signs(cross, statues, the rosary, etc.)
33. I think that religion is a spiritual connection to a higher power and a belief that there is something better after this waiting for us. Human reality is just that, it is reality . It is the cold hard truth. However, religion is something better, it is comforting when nothing else is and it can even be inspirational.
34. Religion is the teaching of God through different ways and beliefs. Religion is most openly taught through prayer. All cultures have different ways of practicing and teaching their religion. Religion has one central focus unlike human reality and that is to become closer to God.
35. I would define religion as some belief in a higher power that a person believes is a significant part of their life. It effects the way they think and their overall mindset of the world around them. The values they learn in this environment are ones that will stay with them for the rest of their lives and govern the way they live. A religion has many facets but some of the most important, I believe, are the promise of a life after death, gives people a purpose in life, allows people a place to turn in their times of need, and offers rewards as well as consequences.
36. Religion to many explains their personal beliefs as well as traditions they carry out. It is something in which many believe very strongly within, attributing to an increase in faith. Often in lives, much sacrificing occurs as a result of one's religion. This word contains great importance to many and even explains why many live out each and every day. As you travel around the world other religions become more evident. Lifestyles of people with different religions can be noticeably different as a result of what customs they follow. Religions contain a much different background than any other human reality, due to the great importance within. Also, this respect toward religions is much different than any other respect people have for any other inanimate or animate object. However, I still feel that religions can mean very different things to many people.
37. To me, the definition of "religion" is a set of common beliefs shared among a group of people that deal with issues of life, death, creation, and the universe. I think the main facet that religion has that human reality does not is that it is difficult to prove what is fact or fiction in religion because it is based, not on knowledge, but on faith.
38. Religion is a belief in a higher being which involves faith and love. It can not be fully proven or proven at all in most cases. However, when a person has a relationship with that higher being and has faith to back them up that is all they need for their form of proof. Religion is about trust, and love in your higher being.
39. Religion has different meanings for everyone. To me religion is a faith in something that you can not completely grasp. It is not here on Earth to see, touch, feel etc. There are many mysteries behind religion which no one can uncover. Religion is a belief that there is something else out there to depend on and trust. It becomes something that you can go to in a time of need or a time of joy. Religion is powerful and sometimes fearful. The trust you must have in your religion is incredible because for most it determines where you will be or go once you are no longer on this Earth.
40. Religion is often thought about, but very rarely asked to define. My definition of religion would be many different thoughts and feelings put into one definition. Religion is centered around the belief and faith in a person or object that a group of people treasure and worship. Religion can be many things to many people. There are probably no two people of the same religion or different that would have the same definition. Religion is all about faith. No one in the human world has died, gone into the afterlife, and returned to tell anyone what happened. For this reason, faith is the biggest part of religion. Religion is never-ending and will continue on in the souls of every person from the time that they are born until the day that they die. Religion is existent and seen all throughout the world and throughout all kinds of people.
41. A set of beliefs and customs that individuals believe to be true. This usually involves worshiping a cause higher than themselves. These beliefs have an influence on how people live their lives and are of a very spiritual nature.
42. Religion in my opinion is someone's faith or certain beliefs. If someone has religion, then they believe in a higher power or god. I think a facet of religion that human reality doesn't have is the belief of an afterlife. No one is really sure if this is true or possible, but most religions preach this. I am catholic and do believe there is an afterlife. I feel by believing in an afterlife, people try to be better persons during their life.
43. I would define religion as complete faith in a divine being. It is the binding force in a person's life, and helps keep a person's emotions in balance. It is a set of beliefs that you are true to. Religion is the only human reality that takes into account complete faith in a divine being.
44. A religion is a belief that a large group of people share and practice. Religion is designed to give humans an understanding of their existence and their role in life. It supplies answers to questions that humans can not otherwise answer. Religion's main purpose is to teach morals and values in hopes of bettering the human being. One facet a religion has is that it uses spirits and phenomena to demonstrate the lessons it is teaching. These spirits and miracles are not existent in reality today. Another facet is that,unlike most human realities, there is no right or wrong belief. Each individual can believe in what they choose and feel it is the truth. Religion is designed to have an answer for everybody, no matter what their beliefs are, but religion tries to better the person practicing that particular religion in the process.
45. Religion is a sensual belief by one or many people of a higher (nonhuman) spirit, being, or source which is relied upon for comfort, guidance, or in a time of need. Religion seems to have a sort of supernatural ability which is characterized by a god, gods, or anything that has power over mankind. One's religion has the ability to influence his or her daily life, for instance worship days and times, holy days, days of fasting, and diet (ex. Jewish don't eat pork). This results in days of rest(for example winter vacation is around Christmas and Chanukah, spring break is around Easter and Passover). This is an affect that no other human reality possesses.
46. Religion is the way a certain group of people pay homage to a supernatural being. This "great being" is the one they hold responsible for their creation, and all creation around them. Through religion, and religious practices a group of people feel as if they have a personal relationship with their creator. Religion is a very complicated subject, with many controversial aspects. Religion requires a person's entire devotion and obedience. However, there is very rarely physical concrete proof that every part of a religion is true. Religion is also based on a persons own individual beliefs. Therefore, religion is not the same for everyone. There are many different religions in the world, and everyone believes their religion is the "right" one. It is a complicated subject that requires intelligent, logical minds to understand.
47. Religion is something that has been created that in many different ways can guide someone's life. Human life is subject to change all of the time, but I fee that religion is in most cases not very likely to change. There are infinite different ways to practice religion and there are endless religions too, but specific religions do not change as easy as something as simple as any one person's life. One's religion could be anything. Some people pray and believe and God and others don't, they may have a religion that another person feels is something not religion related at all. Religion is a very broad term, but certain religions can be very specific
48. Religion is a means through which people can talk to their God in an organized manner. It is a structured form of worship. To me Religion is a personal telephone line through which every night I can talk to God as if He was my friend, and not a distant relative. Religion brings people closer to their God through structured practices. Without Religion, there would be no rhythm! I don't, and can't, put a label on Religion because it is whatever a person wants it to be. You get out of the experience what you put into it. When I went on a retreat at Kairos, I realized that Religion is a very special personal thing that keeps me in line with God.
49. I would define religion as a set of cultural norms that a group of people have. The most important facet that religion has that no other human reality has, is exactly the non-reality aspect of spiritual concepts. This means to believe in something divine and, without questioning it.
50. Religion is something that shapes a person's life. It is a sacred belief that constitutes the way a person lives from day to day. It is a higher power that gives people a sense of a surreal reality. Religion is a belief that cannot be proven, yet is never doubted by those that believe it. A religion has a divine force that gives people someone to look up to. Religion is a made up of a system of morals that the people belonging to the religion try to live up to.
51. Religion describes ones own belief in a higher power;It lets you have the chance to be close to God.
52. Religion to me is a set of beliefs that people come together to share as a family. It is the faith that most people are brought up to believe and practice for the rest of their lives. A facet that religion has, is that there are so many different kinds. With there being so many religions nobody can tell you that you are wrong about your religion, or for what you believe.
53. I would define religion as anyone's personal beliefs about how to live your life in correspondence with a superior being and or normal code. Religion provides individuals with an opportunity to search for a more profound meaning to their life. It can also serve as a code to live your life properly and morally.
54. religion is a certain belief or faith a group of people have. In a religion people cant say your doing something wrong by your belief. but in reality if you do something wrong you can get in trouble.
55. i would define a religion as a group people with common organized beliefs and with these beliefs comes certain practices that are directed to a higher power of some sort. The facets that a religion have that no other human reality has are that it is truly based on faith because honestly, you don't know if there is a higher power or not. It is a leap of faith that there is a higher power.
56. Religion is a mode of believing in a God, that one who follows, should see it as the best mode possible for attaining closeness to that God. Religion is different from human reality because so much has to be taken in faith, whereas human reality calls for things that can be proven as facts.
57. Religion is a person's firm beliefs about faith. In religion, not matter what faith, there is a "higher power," a being who controls everything
58. Humans' attempt at reaching God.
59. A set of beliefs that a person has in something more powerful than themselves that created the world around them.
60. The collection of practices, rituals and symbols that characterize the shared belief or beliefs of a group about their deity or deities.
61. A set of beliefs and rituals meant to give its followers a connection between their life on Earth, and some higher power or set of powers. A religion must include both a set of beliefs about what a higher power is and how it relates to life on Earth as well as a set of rituals with which to connect to that higher power.
62. A way of uniting the many aspects of the "human experience." Religion is a means of finding spirituality, values, and morals in life. It is also a way to create purpose in life and to bridge the abstract with reality.
63. a certain way of living life as chosen by a person or group of individuals. This way of living defines a person in a religious spiritually, emotionally, rationally, and morally. Religious activities may include praying, meditating, worshiping, fasting, or various other kinds of ritualistic activities. Religion is a strong mental and emotional conviction a person holds for a set of beliefs or morals, and for this reason these beliefs affect a person's way of living. Religion often naturally becomes a stronghold in a person's life - that is to say, it may often define a person. Religion to me is personal fulfillment.
64. Religion is a set of beliefs and customs. Some customs could be certain celebrations for holidays. The beliefs help to "set the rules" for the religion.

Sample "Textbook" Definitions

1. ". . . those ways of viewing the world which refer to (1) a notion of sacred reality (2) made manifest in human experience (3) in such a way as to produce long-lasting ways of thinking, feeling, and acting (4) with respect to problems of ordering and understanding existence."⁽¹⁾
2. A response to what is experienced as ultimate reality, involving the total person, which is at least occasionally intense and issues in action or concern for action in the community (i.e., the wider world).⁽²⁾