What constitutes a group being called or labeled a Religion?

Can a group be really practising a Religion even though they do not call themselves of any faith at all?

Shalom..Miles

For me Religion is a group of people who get together and agree on the concepts of the supernatural a person or group invented and deems to be true or even factual.

Mammals are social and always need somekind of acceptance in society. Some more then others. We also feel we need to be productive to stay happy. When uncertain we need support. This is one of the reasons religions are created.

I don't think reptiles care about religion. At least it doesn't look like it.

Labels are entirely subjective.

Just look at how many people label themsleves as "Christians" yet practice behaviors that are totally unlike those taught by Jesus.

Labels are often just a string of meaningless empty letters.

Anyone can label themselves as anything.

Labels are meaningless.

Just be what you are and people will know you by your deeds.

No need for labels at all.

Just be.

Religion is a belief in some form of deity/deities

It expresses that belief in rituals and prayer

It teaches a system of Philosophy and Ethics

It promises Salvation

It conforms

It practices certain traditions

It contols and instill fear in its followers (sometimes)

It divides


Yes. I believe a group can still be practicing a religion although this group is un-named or un-classified.

shalom

A group can only be labeled a religion if they have a belief system based on "faith" and not facts.

--rituals: excuses to not think for oneself
--prayer: an attempt to control one's god(s)
--(regilgious) philosophy: most often used as an excuse to torture or kill anyone not sharing the same (religious) philisophy
--(religious) ethics: most often used to excuse abhorrent behavior; also used to make the participent feel better about themself
--salvation: a fear/threat/reward system to insure compliance
--conforms: keeps people from thinking or asking uncomfortable questions.
--traditions: means of controlling or eliminating individual or objective thought
--it definatly controls and instills fear in it's followers
--divides: seperates "us" from them". a useful tool to either convert "them" or destroy "them"

What sort of definition are you seeking? Each of our personal definitions? Or perhaps a legal definition?

There's a paper here you might like: http://www.religiousfreedom.com/articles/casino.htm

An exert:

The analysis included in this paper of the United States Internal Revenue Service criteria for determining whether an organization is a "church" for purposes of tax exemption also serves to develop the definitional issue and, in particular, to explore the dilemma of developing narrow definitional boundaries for religion.

According to one American court, a "religious organization" is merely "an organized association of persons dedicated to religious purposes." Therefore, if the organization is animated by religious belief, it cannot, by definition, fail to be a religious organization. Ordinarily, however, the American government and the courts have been reluctant to examine the content of religious belief.

Neither this court, nor any branch of this government, will consider the merits or fallacies of religion. Nor will the court compare the beliefs, dogmas and practices of a newly organized religion with those of an older,

more established religion. Nor will the court praise or condemn a religion, however excellent or fanatical or preposterous it may seem. Were the court to do so, it would impinge upon the guarantee of the First Amendment.

Judges and IRS officials are "not oracles of theological verity, and the Founders did not intend for them to be declarants of religious orthodoxy." It is obvious, however, that proper application of the tax laws respecting religious organizations requires a definition, or at least guidelines, meeting constitutional standards. The first amendment would indeed become "a limitless excuse for avoiding all unwanted legal obligations" if all claims to religious protection were accepted merely because they are asserted. Therefore, at least a working definition of religion is needed, so that minimum standards can be discerned and applied to "religious organizations" claiming tax-exempt status. Attempts to develop a working definition of "religion" in the American context must begin with the language of the United States Constitution, the intent of the framers, and interpretation by the Supreme Court.

God is NOT Interested in Religion .


But Relationship.


Anybody Interested in What Interests God Now?



Anybody?

I was just wondering what different peoples thoughts were about it.. I see no right or wrong answer.. Just a personal interpretaion is all. Thanks..Shalom...Miles