Reply #35: Ok, lets tackle your list then [View All]

[Az]

Second entry on the list from the people at wikipedia

Religion—sometimes used interchangeably with faith or belief system—is commonly defined as belief concerning the supernatural, sacred, or divine, and the moral codes, practices and institutions associated with such belief. In its broadest sense some have defined it as the sum total of answers given to explain humankind's relationship with the universe. In the course of the development of religion, it has taken a huge number of forms in various cultures and individuals.

Sacred means to hold something in high regard. It is quite arguable that that there are a multitude of things that people can hold in high regard that do not require a theistic stance to do so. And as it says "or" the presence of any of those three would suggest that a group could well be a religion. Particularly if they form a set of moral codes and practices based on the things they hold sacred.

It further goes on to throw the door wide open to a seeking of relationship to the universe. And even commenting on how many possible iterations and forms a religion can take.

From the third entry www.modernhumanorigins.com/r.html

A framework of beliefs relating to supernatural or superhuman beings or forces that transcend the everyday material world.

Forces that transcend the everyday material world. Sounds like the inter-connective web of life would fit that definition.

Fifth entry from www.carm.net/atheism/terms.htm

generally a belief in a deity and practice of worship, action, and/or thought related to that deity. Loosely, any specific system of code of ethics, values, and belief.

Loosely specific system of code of ethics, values and belief. Seems to agree with my position.

Sixth entry from www.csa.com/hottopics/religion/gloss.php

Has many definitions - most of them involve the idea of supernatural agency.

Most... most means specifically not all. And it does seem to acknowledge a broad range of definitions.

Seventh entry from www.albany.edu/sourcebook/app6.html

Religious affiliation, practices, and views.

Self referential. Useless for the purposes of our discussion.

Eighth entry supposedly from Oxford English Dictionary. I will post both it and the entry I found at the actual Oxford site.
From www.ecotao.com/holism/glosoz.htm

Oxford dictionary definition (theistic): "1 the belief in a superhuman controlling power, esp. in a personal God or gods entitled to obedience and worship. 2 the expression of this in worship. 3 a particular system of faith and worship." Non-Theistic definition: "The word religion has many definitions, all of which can embrace sacred lore and wisdom and knowledge of God or gods, souls and spirits. Religion deals with the spirit in relation to itself, the universe and other life. ...

From http://www.askoxford.com/results/?view=dict&field-12668446=religion&branch=13842570&textsearchtype=exact&sortorder=score%2Cname

noun 1 the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods. 2 a particular system of faith and worship. 3 a pursuit or interest followed with devotion.
ORIGIN originally in the sense life under monastic vows: from Latin religio ‘obligation, reverence’.

Ninth entry from www.elissetche.org/dico/R.htm

System of beliefs and practices concerned with sacred things and or symbols uniting individuals into a single moral community.....

This one seems to clearly side with my open interpretation. Even the sense of sacred can be construed to include matters held in high esteem and do not necessitate divine or theistic positions.

Entry ten from www.summit.org/resource/dictionary/

any specific system of belief, worship, or conduct that prescribes certain responses to the existence (or non-existence) and character of God.

This one seems to spell it out the best. Can't say I disagree with it at all.

There are entries that do tie religion to specific theistic claims. But I think a careful reading of them all will show that a great deal of latitude is seen in our modern understanding of religion.