Religion

Religion. What is religion? Be it Islam, Christianity, Judism or even Buddhism. What is it that makes religion religion?

Is religion based upon laws? Laws written within books and Gospels. Laws preached upon by priests and monks. Laws preserved through time and age. Examples like the ten commandments, and laws of conducts called forth by Islam; And the moral conducts as well as virtues taught by Buddha.

Is religion itself merely a shared group of beliefs? That would literally turn science into a religion, wouldn't it? Considering that science itself consists of beliefs and trust in what is widely thought of as real and common sense.Is science a religion?

Some say religion is trust in the existence of the supernatural. Faith in the existence of God.If so then where does that put Buddhism? Is Buddha a god? Do Buddhists worship a group of gods? The answer is no. Buddha never was a god to begin with. If so, then why do we consider Buddhism a religion? Could there be a religion that doesn't base itself upon the worship of something that isn't all powerful? Could you have a religion that does not worship God?

Does religion always include worship? Can you have a religion wherein worship is not something that needs to be done? A religion that does not need prayers. A religion that does not demand sacrifice. A religion the needs no reverence. No pilgrimages. No praises. Nothing. Is there such a thing? Perhaps the inclusion of Atheism as a religion would make such a thing possible, wouldn't it?

One has to question how one can claim to know of the unknown. How could man be so sure of writings and sayings whose truths and claims may seem unbelievably surreal and unproven. How do you know of meanings brought about by descriptions too vague and sentences whose meanings are hidden away? Is that what religion is all about? Prophetic tales of days to come and the end of the world? Or perhaps the creation of everything that exists.

Idolization. The root of every religious movement. A highly esteemed one whose will and traits are held in highest regard above life itself. Idolizing a man into godhood. Making a single human being the utmost important entity within your life. Would that account for a religion? Examples such as spirits worshipped by the Chinese as well as the Aborigines. Not to mention the Buddha.

Belief, worship, idolization, way of life. Four of the many defining qualities of religions.There are many questions left unanswered by religions of men.

Above all else, is religion a reality or merely a creation of the human mind?