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Originally Posted by ZNPaaneah
I think that your definition is quite close to what I view. I find it very strange that there is no consensus on the definition. One reason could be James word about "pure religion". This implies there are many versions that are not "pure".
Imagine if you wanted a different definition for water depending on the minerals that are dissolved in it. You would have a different version of water for every locale on earth. But when boiled down to its' purest form it can be defined as two hydrogen atoms bound to a single oxygen atom. Even though we know there is no such thing (water always has minute amounts of hydronium, hydroxide, etc.)
Likewise, if we boil religion down to its fundamental components "religion is a set of beliefs and practices that provide principles by which to live and conduct yourself toward others". Not all include a spiritual realm and perhaps not all rise to the level of the purpose of man.
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Religion, as commonly understood, that people have a belief in God and have activities, practices, etc that will connect them with God in some fashion. There are various levels to this. Some cultures want "to stay on His good side" so they can have a good harvest, for example, and other things for a pleasant life on earth. Some others want to have mystical experiences with God.
As has been pointed out, religion can be to have a belief system, such as Buddhism and Leftism.
For years, I limited the definition of religion to Lee, that of worshipping or doing things for God without Christ. Yet James mentions pure religion which he says is before God, to care for widows and orphans and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. So according to James, pure religion does have a place in our interaction with God.
Yet we were taught that we were not like degraded Christianity with all its dead works, but whatever we do can be living if we touch our spirit, and so forth.
As one who through the redemption of Christ, is reconciled to God, I will do activities such as prayer, confession to Him, calling on Jesus' name, and so forth in order to connect and commune with Him. Some times, this may include following His direction to do something. Could this be my religion, but hopefully, in a pure sense?