Religion Definition and 116 Threads

Religion is a social-cultural system of designated behaviors and practices, morals, beliefs, worldviews, texts, sanctified places, prophecies, ethics, or organizations, that relates humanity to supernatural, transcendental, and spiritual elements; however, there is no scholarly consensus over what precisely constitutes a religion.Different religions may or may not contain various elements ranging from the divine, sacred things, faith, a supernatural being or supernatural beings or "some sort of ultimacy and transcendence that will provide norms and power for the rest of life". Religious practices may include rituals, sermons, commemoration or veneration (of deities and/or saints), sacrifices, festivals, feasts, trances, initiations, funerary services, matrimonial services, meditation, prayer, music, art, dance, public service, or other aspects of human culture. Religions have sacred histories and narratives, which may be preserved in sacred scriptures, and symbols and holy places, that aim mostly to give a meaning to life. Religions may contain symbolic stories, which are sometimes said by followers to be true, that may also attempt to explain the origin of life, the universe, and other phenomena. Traditionally, faith, in addition to reason, has been considered a source of religious beliefs.There are an estimated 10,000 distinct religions worldwide. About 84% of the world's population is affiliated with Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, or some form of folk religion. The religiously unaffiliated demographic includes those who do not identify with any particular religion, atheists, and agnostics. While the religiously unaffiliated have grown globally, many of the religiously unaffiliated still have various religious beliefs.The study of religion comprises a wide variety of academic disciplines, including theology, comparative religion and social scientific studies. Theories of religion offer various explanations for the origins and workings of religion, including the ontological foundations of religious being and belief.

View More On Wikipedia.org
Recent contents Top users
  1. A

    New to the website

    Hi. Well, I'm a civilian physicist. I have no PHD or Bachelors degree in anything. I've been studying religion & physics through YouTube videos, ancient texts, documents, podcasts, and books. I've found a very strong correlation between the two. In fact, in my opinion, they're the same; only...
  2. Maarten Havinga

    Strict forum rules vs learning science

    This thread is about whether strictly and always applying the forum rules allow for the whole picture of exact science. For every one of the rules there is a good scientific reason, the question is not about the quality of the rules but rather about the 'fruits' of applying them strictly. I...
  3. L

    Physics Career Change from Religion to Physics

    I currently have education in religion, and at 46 years old, I have the desire to go back to school and study astronomy/physics etc.. i would be starting all over and would take til I am 55 if i go post doctorate. My interest in astronomy started when i was 12. if i had attended a better school...
  4. Chiclayo guy

    Origin of Religion: Understanding the Difference from Physics

    I am involved in a discussion about the origin of religion. I made the statement that the very early humans who were speculating about the causes of things that frightened them and that they did not understand (wind, thunder, earthquakes) were engaged in philosophy and science. Their exercise...
  5. Beans56

    I Life permitting ranges for fine tuning constants

    Does anyone know What the life permitting ranges for the constants usually mentioned in the Fine Tuning argument are? i.e. h, G, e, rate of expansion, amount of dark matter ect... My thinking is that if they are just kind of randomly placed inside their respective ranges then that would indicate...
  6. T

    B Debunking Alleged proofs against modern science

    Hello fellow PF'ers! I have been conversating with a strongly religious character for some time now, and thought i'd present some of his arguments to you. I have myself tried to explain the basics of the problems, but maybe some of you can have a laugh and go into further details as to why he...
  7. C

    How is maths separated from religion?

    This is not a religious diatribe, I am an agnostic leaning heavily towards atheism. But, dark matter and dark energy are just equations used to close a gaping hole in our understanding. Singularities are not understood. Expansion is not understood. But more importantly, theoretical physics...
  8. E

    Religious and Secular Legal Systems

    Is it viable to use the law of religion under a secular court? Catholic priests aren't allowed to marry (which is under their religious law), and thus removing his right to marry, for example. So, if the priest were to file a case stating that he was not allowed to marry, is it sensible? Of...
  9. O

    What influence did Newtons religion have on his science ?

    Do you think Newton's piety was important to developing or fueling his philosophical and psychological impulses to be a great scientist and mathematician ? Did his religious and alchemical goals orient his scientific researches; his outstanding mechanical, mathematical, and optical theories...
  10. K

    Is Everything Just a Matter of Belief? Exploring an Existential Crisis

    Hello everyone. This is my first post on these forums. I came here for guidance, as I am currently very confused with the nature of reality, and how I should be thinking. I can't imagine that anyone here will have an absolute answer, but I am hoping to be grounded a little. The biggest problem...
  11. micromass

    The Religion Poll - Part 2: Atheism

    Since over 70% did not affiliate with any religion, it would be nice to see what kind of atheists we have here. Here are the explanations of the different categories: http://commonsenseatheism.com/?p=6487
  12. micromass

    Which religion do you affiliate with?

    A bit of a sensitive topic, so rest assured: I will moderate this closely. So please no attacking of other people's choices, no mocking or anything. Thanks!
  13. B

    Is Physics Becoming a Religion? Examining the Role of Physics in Modern Society

    looking on the current status of physics , i think physics * pure theoretical physics* is dying and instead engineering is taking its place i think that every thing that needs to be discovered has already been discovered when i look to the current fields , particle physics for instance almost...
  14. D

    Religion & Science: Answers to Couple Questions

    Couple questions.. Does being an Astrophysicists. Help or hurt ones belief in religion? Understanding the math of where the universe came from and how it expanded, does this prove the existence of God? Or does it prove that there is no God? Are the Majority of Physicists Religious or not?
  15. Q

    Can Science Disprove the Existence of God and End Religion?

    Two things you can't compute: Unconciousness, and eternity - both which death is about. We live in a daily life where conciousness and time is both a part of our daily life, and the conciousness combined with the time can make us think about past, present and future. The brain has replaced the...
  16. C

    News Judge Frees Muslim Assailant Because His Religion Said to Attack

    http://www.thenewamerican.com/opinion/selwyn-duke/10998-pa-court-muslim-judge-uses-sharia-law-to-free-muslim-assailant LINK This is very troubling I think if all of it is true.
  17. Gokul43201

    Sweden Acknowledges "Kopimism" as Official Religion

    http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/01/05/file_sharing_sweden_kopimism_religion/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16424659 I'm not a big fan of this religion, though perhaps for somewhat different reasons than why I'm not a big fan of most religions. But now that kopyacting is...
  18. W

    Religion and the Possibility of Alien Life

    Today I was wondering, what do you all think would happen if humans discovered aliens that were more intelligent than us? What would happen to religions that believe in God and such? Do you think people will think of them as the creations of the devil or something? What if they had evolved...
  19. A

    The Ongoing Debate: Evolution vs. Religion

    I argue with a ton of people that I know, and most of them ask me why I believe in evolution. I always ask them to look at the evidence some day and to stop being arrogant, but they deny the fact, because it gets in the way of God. What can I say to them? I get the usual response, Adolf...
  20. F

    Is All Religion Rooted in Sun Worship?

    This is a pretty compelling short documentary about how all major religion is based on ancient astrology and sun worship. There are many points in this video that cannot be argued with or debunked. Pt 1. Pt 2. Pt 3. What do you think?
  21. W

    Help My Science vs. Religion paper

    Hi, I initiated a discussion that got over heated before this simple question was answred so perhaps someone would like to comment on it. This began as a simple question regarding evolution and for me has become the focal point of a series of papers for a writing class. The discussion was...
  22. L

    Religion vs Science: Can Science Prove Religion Wrong?

    Is there any chance of real scientific proof against religion to prove it wrong?
  23. T

    Faith & Religion or No Faith & Religion? which for me?

    I am currently a non-believer.. I have no faith. I have never had faith, however I have always believed there is a more intelligent life-form or higher entity out there which has had something to do with human creation.. so I believe we have a 'creator' but I do not believe that we have any of...
  24. J

    Social taboos, religion, ethics, absolute morality, God, etc.

    The below text is not a result of coherent thought. It consists of random pieces. I'm sure you would be able to connect them. If there is absolute religious system, then it's won't too much exaggeration to say that I live in a far too religious atmosphere where almost every individual takes...
  25. A

    Atheist going back to religion for the girls.

    Well all my close friends and close family know i am an atheist. But i am going to a group of people that really believe in god and the catholic church, i have to pray and all that stuff, i mean is a very catholic group, people even cry there some times, is a comunity. I go there with my best...
  26. T

    Science and Religion: Examples of Shared Conclusions

    I really don't know where forum to post that, so if I posted in the wrong forum, please move... I read (but I don't remember where) that the science (i.e. physics and quantum physics) is arriving at the same conclusions that religion arrived. Does anyone know any example of a conclusion...
  27. C

    Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind

    "Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind" Hi, there I just wanted to know what Einstein actually meant with this quote "Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind." Did he mean it in the sense that religion is an attempt to explain why...
  28. S

    What Are Your Views on Organised Religion?

    Hi, I don't intend on starting a debate or breaking any of the forum rules. I'd simply like to know the views this forum has on organised religion. Do you associate yourselves with a religion? Are you a practising follower? etc.
  29. Z

    Philosophy: Is God timeless? (NOT A RELIGION THREAD)

    Rule 1) Absolutely no religious references, only spiritual and philosophical Rule 2) God may be discussed in this thread Rule 3) God is not a person, physical being, or anything with any type of anthropomorphic traits for the purpose of this discussion (i.e. does not talk and certainly does...
  30. Pythagorean

    Spirituality vs. Religion: Which Leads to True Growth?

    http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2008/05/10-reasons-you-should-never-have-a-religion/ "When you subscribe to a religion, you substitute nebulous group-think for focused, independent thought. Instead of learning to discern truth on your own, you’re told what to believe. This doesn’t accelerate...
  31. Y

    Religion Poll: Share Your Beliefs Here

    Out of curiousity, I was wondering what religion everyone here is apart of, if any.edit: The poll won't post D;
  32. snoopies622

    Is Religion Innate or a Cultural Construct?

    Is it built into the human brain or merely a cultural phenomenon?
  33. J

    Marx and Religion: Exploring the Reasons Behind Control and Faith

    Can someone clarify whether this is right and add any other important/useful information about this subject please: Marx believed that religion exists because people cannot understand society and people therefore turn to religion because they are suffering either physically or intellectually...
  34. J

    The Reasons Behind Following a Religion

    What is the main reason you follow a religion? (not open to athiests please)
  35. M

    Is religion really the cause of wars?

    One of the main criticisms I hear of religion is that is responsible for so many wars throughout history. If religion is held to blame for the crusades for example, then by the same logic shouldn't we be holding democracy and freedom to blame for current wars such as Iraq and Afghanistan?
  36. O

    Emergence & Religion: Could We Create a God?

    I've been thinking a lot lately about the phenomenon of emergence. Basically, where a system exhibits properties that no individual elements of that system possess. For instance, water possesses myriad properties that could not be directly inferred from examining a single water molecule in...
  37. A

    Physics & Religion: Can You Believe in Cosmology & Unified Theory?

    is it possible to be interested in cosmology and a unified theory and not be an athiest?
  38. P

    News Do you think founding fathers allow the states to make laws about religion

    I know there will probably be lots of disagreements with what I am about to say concerning the First amendment of the Bill of Rights, but I will just go ahead in say it: I don't think the founding fathers of the United states wanted the individual to decided whether s(he) wants to choose or...
  39. P

    Is Science a Religion? Exploring the Foundation of Knowledge

    Reading threads on this forum (especially under cosmology and Debunk), I see that many people make the accusation or statement that a person has distanced himself from science and logic and towards belief or religion. So I ask you - Do you think that science is a religion? I'd say it...
  40. M

    Modernisation of Religion to be Equal to Women

    I saw on a Sunday TV show 'The Big Questions' that the Church is the only institution that is still allowed to be sexist. Women are not allowed to be appointed as bishops. Surely the modernisation of religion is overdue in our secular society? I believe that the adoption of a total religious...
  41. K

    News Should religion be a subject of criticism?

    Very interesting read http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/7636 I think everything should be critcized. Nothing is holy! If you choose to follow certain doctrines, you can't expect others to respect those doctrines simply because you believe in them. I think the current devlopment is scary, in...
  42. P

    News What Did Obama Say About Religion?

    This video looks old but I just got the chance to see it. After 8 years of fundamentalism meddling in American politics, it is refreshing to see the divide between church and state will be renewed.
  43. Evo

    News Can Religious Institutions Discriminate in Hiring Practices?

    Anyone watching the Evangelical political forum on tv tonight with Obama & MCCain? http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080816/ap_on_el_pr/candidates_religion;_ylt=Av.J8ssC6bLiHy4A27FOQ8kGw_IE Also worth watching, click the link on the left Related Video "Religion Counts". From Politico...
  44. V

    Religion = product of evolution ?

    First, sorry for any grammar errors because English is my second language. This thread got me thinking about atheism and evolution: http[:]//www[.]physicsforums.com/showthread[.]php?t=124428 From the most of replies in that thread I came to conclusion that people who don't believe in GOD...
  45. M

    Childish superstition: Einstein's letter makes view of religion clear

    Childish superstition: Einstein's letter makes view of religion clear
  46. M

    Religion Voted The New Social Evil

    Religion Voted "The New Social Evil" This was quite odd. Religion Voted "The New Social Evil"
  47. P

    Why do some societies abandon/change their religion?

    I was having a discussion on another forum, and this question came up. When you look at major religions today, it seems incredible that 1500 years ago, it was reportedly possible for St Patrick to convert Ireland from their traditional beliefs to Christianity. How did he do it? Christian...
  48. Cyrus

    Beyond Belief Science talking about religion

    http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=275693092937060684&q=Beyond+Belief+2006&total=207&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=2 Great lecture talk on science and the belief in religion. There are lots more on the right window. I have lots more videos on these topics I've been watching...
  49. M

    Relationship Between Science and Religion

    Which of the following models of the relationship between science and religion is closest to your personal view of the matter? The Conflicting-Wolds Model: The 'warfare' approach. Science and religion are mutually exclusive ways of knowing, one being right and the other wrong. In this view...
  50. Evo

    Medical Parents claim religion to avoid vaccines for kids

    I find this appalling. How is it that people don't understand the benefits of vacinations and how miniscule the percent of serious adverse reactions are. http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071018/NEWS07/710180330/-1/NEWS07
Back
Top