What is religion?
Religion is a subjective term in which different people will have different definitions for. In my opinion, religion involves believing in some sort of superhuman God or power. It can also be a way of life with sets of rules which force people to act a certain way if they want to take part in this certain religion. Religion involves some sort of worship in this superhuman God or gods, as well as faith that these Gods are real. Also, I believe that religion is something that gives people a meaning and purpose in life, and also builds character and community. William Cavanaugh writes about Martin Marty’s book, in which he has an interesting take on religion. He brings up the negative consequences of religion, such as how people create terror and violence in the name of religion. Marty claims that religion causes trouble in the public arena. Cavanaugh has his own list of how he can help describe what religion is. “He begins his discussion of religion with seventeen different definitions of religion, then comments that since “Scholars will never agree on the definition of religion,”he will “forgo a precise definition and instead to point to phenomena that help describe what we’re talking about.” (Cavanaugh 2) This quote contributes to the fact that the definition of religion is a very subjective term. He also ends up saying that religion consists of five main different aspects. These aspects include: religion focusing on our ultimate concern, builds community, appeals to myth and symbol, is enforced through rites and ceremonies, and demands certain behaviors from its adherents. I agree with these five points and believe that the Catholic faith actively follows all five of Cavanaugh’s points. I also think that every other religion can connect with these five points on almost all of these aspects.
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Your definition of religion was similar to mine in recognizing it as a belief in an entity, force, etc. of a higher power. I more framed my concept of religion around the idea of choice. In our theological studies, we are presented with written doctrine and also with tradition. To practice religion would be to take these and believe in them. In this way, religion could be the combination of understanding and trust in the authority of a certain religious viewpoint.
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I may be wrong, but I understood that the five features of religion are actually attributed to Martin Marty, and it is Cavanaugh who opposes Marty’s attempt at defining religion. Regardless, I think it’s tough to either refute or confirm a definition of religion, because it is, as you describe, a subjective interpretation. Still, I agree that the five features provided at least give a glimpse at what religion is.
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