This is a question we may have experienced in our lives at some point.
Nobody knows for sure where the word Religion came from, but it is thought to mean good faith, ritual, and other similar meanings from the Latin word religo, or to tie fast from the Latin word religãre.
Defining the word Religion is burdened with complexity because all the definitions have at lease one drawback and some disregard beliefs and practices that many devotedly defend as religious.
The dictionary refers to Religion as
· the belief in and worship of a superhuman power or powers, especially a God or gods,
· a particular system of faith and worship,
· a pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance.
The Dictionary also refers Religion to be similar to faith, belief, teaching, divinity, theology, church, faith community, following, affiliation. cult, sect, persuasion, worship…
Religion can mean may different things to many different people, but we are all children of the Divine (or whatever term you use). Just because someone is different or has different beliefs than you do does not mean that they are not Religious.
Here is an example: Jane has gone to church all of her life only because she was raised in a family that always went to church on Sundays and John came from a family that never went to church but he was taught to have faith and believe that he could make the world a better place by being a good person, believing in himself and others, and believing that there is good all around,... Is Jane better than John because she goes to church and follows a religion because John does not? The answer is absolutely not! Both of these people would be considered to follow a type of Religion – one going to church and one being taught faith and belief.
The Dalai Lama's reference to religion, "This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness."
A reference from the bible, James 1:26 “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless”
What is your Religion, what do you believe and have faith in?
I wish you a wonderful day filled with love, happiness, prosperity, kindness, and positivity.
With Gratitude,
Minister Leona Jo
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