Religion — A (mental) Breakdown
Key Definitions
Religion
(noun)
- the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods
- a particular system of faith and worship
- a pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance
Belief
(noun)
- an acceptance that a statement is true or that something exists
- trust, faith, or confidence in someone or something
Faith
(noun)
- complete trust or confidence in someone or something
- strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof
Apprehension
(noun)
- anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen
- understanding; grasp
Worship
(noun)
- the feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity
(verb)
- show reverence and adoration for (a deity); honor with religious rites
God
(noun)
- (in Christianity and other monotheistic religions) the creator and ruler of the universe and source of all moral authority; the supreme being
- (in certain other religions) a superhuman being or spirit worshiped as having power over nature or human fortunes; a deity
Let’s Break It Down
> the belief (faith->based on spiritual apprehension>fear< rather than proof) in and worship (feeling and/or expressing adoration or honor) of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods (creature/ruler/influence over everything)
> a particular system of faith (trust or confidence in someone or something) and worship (feeling and/or expressing adoration or honor)
> a pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance
In Other Words
Religion is trust in and adoring respect of a superhuman creator/ruler/powerful entity via a system of belief based on a fear of possible (but not probable or proven) consequence — meaning religion is the idea that a creature or power beyond our understanding will punish those who do not abide by its rules (including blind loyalty and adoration) on the principal of fear based on a subjective experience perceived as knowledge.
So, to be blatant, religion is the fear of the unknown being solved by blind faith rather than fact.
Personal Opinion
Freedom of religion should be based on the third definition — “a pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance”
Yes I am perfectly aware that this definition is very much left to opinion and very arguable. However, this means it can be argued in court to be defined by the Congress for individual circumstances instead of turning a blind eye to extreme mass discrimination. Then, just maybe, the system of Checks and Balances will start kicking into gear again instead of whatever circle jerking nonsense they’re usually up to.
