What is a Religion

[Guile]

As I asked, what is a religion? How does something go from Philosophy to religion? For example, and not to be insulting to any Buddhists out there, it seems more like a Philosophy then a religion. Or myself for example, treat Fascism as more then a simple political affiliation, I treat it as a moral code, and a way to live my life.

[dr2005]

My understanding is that for something to become "religious" as opposed to "philosophical", it tends to need more of a metaphysical/spiritual aspect to it - that is to say, it needs to concern events or matters beyond the physical Universe. Hence, Buddhism falls under the ambit of religion (just about) because its teachings have concepts such as reincarnation, nirvana and samsara which should they exist would do so outside of the physical framework of the Universe. Philosophy, in contrast, tends to take its basis from the physical framework of the Universe and events contained therein and then develop from there - so to take your example, your world view is developed from experience in this Universe and this life, as opposed to taking its basis from something which may or may not exist transcendent of the Universe. Even if it contains moral aspects, it's still based on what happens here so is philosophical rather than religious. To take another example, the "cult of Stalin" has been classed as having religious traits in some circles, but again as the focus of its attention is on the events in the physical Universe (specifically one man) it's philosophical.

I should say that all of that is purely based on my understanding, and for all I know it could be a load of cobblers. But that has been how I understand the distinction, and it seems to account for things like Buddhism contrasted with other philosophies quite well. Ultimately, it's all a question of where one chooses to draw the line.

[XjuxtapositionX]

I agree with you Guile, with the aspect that I almost feel that Buddhism is more a philosophy than a religion. Again no offense to any Buddhists. But it is to my knowledge that some divisions of Buddhism do see Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) as a god, while others just see him as an enlightened human individual.

I divide philosophy and religion by the fact if there is a god involved. I see philosophy as more so as your opinions and morals concerning different facets of life. A religion, in my opinion, is when a god or spirituality is brought into the discussion. Now I believe philosophy and religion go hand and hand and affect each other greatly.

I like the way dr2005 put it, "Ultimately, it's all a question of where one chooses to draw the line." I feel the same way.