Religion: A Broader Inclusive Definition

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Introduction:

The concept of "religion" is often associated with supernatural beliefs and divine beings. However, this traditional definition can exclude various belief systems that provide meaning, values, and ethical guidance. This document explores a redefined approach to religion, aiming for inclusivity and a more nuanced understanding.

Traditional Definitions and Their Limitations:

Traditional definitions of religion typically emphasize:

• Belief in supernatural beings or forces.
• Rituals and practices associated with those beliefs.
• Sacred texts and institutions.

However, these definitions struggle to accommodate:

• Non-theistic religions like certain forms of Buddhism.
• Philosophical and ethical systems like secular humanism.
• The growing population of individuals identifying as non-religious.

The Need for a Broader Definition:

To address these limitations, we propose a redefined approach to religion that focuses on its core function: providing meaning, values, and ethical guidance.

A Redefined Definition:

"Religion is a comprehensive worldview that provides meaning, values, and purpose through a system of beliefs and practices.

AND which may include:

• Supernatural beliefs and explanations.
• OR Naturalistic explanations and ethical frameworks based on reason and human values.

A religion should:

• Provide a comprehensive worldview that explains the nature of reality and human existence.
• Offer a robust ethical framework for guiding moral behavior.

Key Aspects of the Redefined Definition:

• Inclusivity: The "AND/OR" clause allows for both supernatural and naturalistic belief systems to qualify as religions.
• Focus on Function: The definition emphasizes the core function of religion: providing meaning, values, and ethical guidance.
• Flexibility: It accommodates a wide range of worldviews and ethical frameworks.
• Clarity: It is clearly structured and easy to understand.

Comparison Table:

Feature	Christianity	Islam	Hinduism	Philosophical/Ethical Secularism	Theravada Buddhism	Mahayana Buddhism
Belief in God(s)	Monotheistic (God)	Monotheistic (Allah)	Polytheistic/Monistic	Generally none	Generally none (deities exist, but are not central)	Various Buddhas and Bodhisattvas (deities)
Afterlife	Heaven/Hell, resurrection	Heaven/Hell, judgment day	Reincarnation (samsara), moksha	Generally none	Rebirth, nirvana	Rebirth, various Pure Lands, nirvana
Good/Bad	Moral code based on divine commandments	Moral code based on Allah's will	Dharma (righteousness) vs. adharma (unrighteousness)	Ethical principles based on reason and human values	Ethical principles based on karma and compassion	Ethical principles based on karma and compassion, Bodhisattva ideal
Purpose of Life	To glorify God, achieve salvation	To submit to Allah, achieve paradise	To fulfill dharma, achieve moksha	To live a meaningful, ethical life, contribute to human well-being	To achieve enlightenment, end suffering. Entities transmigrate due to desires...	To achieve enlightenment, help all beings achieve enlightenment
Origin of Universe	Divine creation	Divine creation	Cyclic creation/destruction	Scientific explanations (Big Bang, evolution)	Cyclic, beginning undefined	Cyclic, beginning undefined
Soul	Yes (eternal soul)	Yes (soul/ruh)	Yes (atman)	Generally no (materialist view)	No permanent self (anatma), Vinyana is causal	No permanent self (anatma), Buddha nature
Religious Leader/Head	Pope (Catholic), Various denominations (Protestant, Orthodox)	No central figure, various Imams/scholars	Various Gurus, Swamis, no single head	Generally none, various thinkers and philosophers	Sangha (monastic community), various teachers	Sangha (monastic community), various teachers (Dalai Lama in some traditions)
Religious Book Canon	Bible (Old and New Testaments)	Quran, Hadith	Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Puranas	Various philosophical texts, scientific literature	Tipitaka (Pali Canon)	Tripitaka, Sutras (Mahayana Sutras)

Conclusion:

This redefined definition of religion offers a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of belief systems. By focusing on the core function of religion—providing meaning, values, and ethical guidance—we can accommodate a wider range of worldviews and foster greater understanding and respect among diverse communities.

Disclaimer:

This document represents a discussion and proposed redefinition of religion. It is intended for informational,  educational and academic purposes and does not represent a definitive or universally accepted view.

Addendums / Notes...

1. Secularism's Broader Influence:

Secularism addresses the relationship between religion and state institutions, as well as how individuals approach their religious or ethical beliefs. (Aka meaning of the term is context sensitive.)

In "secular Buddhism" or "secular Christianity" etc. individuals apply a secular lens to their faith, emphasizing ethical teachings and practical applications while often de-emphasizing or reinterpreting supernatural elements.

A Way of Thinking:

Secularism fosters a way of thinking that prioritizes reason, evidence, and critical inquiry.

This mindset can extend beyond the public sphere and influence how individuals approach various aspects of their lives, including their personal beliefs and practices.

Ethical Framework:

Secularism, particularly in its humanist form, provides an ethical framework based on human values and reason, rather than religious doctrine.

This framework can guide individuals' moral choices and actions, even in their personal lives.

Clarifying the Distinction:

It's still crucial to maintain the distinction between:

Political secularism: The principle of separation of religion and state.

Freedom of religion.

Freedom from religious imposition.

Neutrality of the state in matters of religion.

Philosophical / Ethical secularism: A broader worldview that emphasizes reason, evidence, and human values.

It is the Philosophical / Ethical secularism that is being applied to personal religious beliefs.

Therefore, secularism can present itself as  a societal principle (political secularism), and / or as  individual beliefs and practices, particularly in the context of secularised religious beliefs and traditions.

Thus in summary, secularism comes in two flavours (denotes two meanings), Political secularism and Philosophical secularism.

2. Religiously Unaffiliated:

Often, studies use the broader category of "religiously unaffiliated," which includes atheists, agnostics, and those who don't identify with any religion.

This category represents a significant portion of the global population.

3. Philosophical Stances on Deities:

Theism:

The belief in the existence of a god or gods. This is a broad category encompassing many religions.

Atheism: 

The disbelief in the existence of god or gods. It's a rejection of theistic claims.

Agnosticism:

The view that the existence or non-existence of god or gods is unknown or unknowable. It focuses on the limits of human knowledge regarding the divine.

Agnosticism can also denote a view of; I will beleive if you can prove it (aka scientific method). For example I will beleive in god, if you can prove his existence etc.

Socio-Political and Ethical Philosophies:

Secularism:

A principle advocating for the separation of religion from government and public institutions. It aims for neutrality in matters of religion, ensuring freedom of religion and freedom from religious imposition.

Secularism can also denote a practice where an individual does not beleive in the supernatural (ex. After life, existence of hells / heavens...)

Humanism:

A philosophical and ethical stance that emphasizes human values, agency, and reason. It seeks to solve human problems through human means, focusing on ethics, justice, and well-being.

Secular humanism, specifically, excludes supernatural or religious justifications, emphasizing reason, science, and empathy. Humanism, like secularism, can be held by people of varying beliefs regarding deities.

Key Comparisons:

Relationship between Atheism/ Agnosticism and Secularism/ Humanism:

Atheism and agnosticism address the existence of gods. Secularism and humanism address how we organize society and live ethical lives. Many atheists and agnostics are secular humanists, but not all.

Overlapping and Distinct Concepts:

It's crucial to understand that these concepts are not mutually exclusive. A person can be an atheist and a secular humanist, or a theist who supports secularism (political secularism).

Theism is the belief in a god or gods, where as Atheism is the disbelief of those gods. Agnosticism is the position of unknowing regarding those gods. Where as Secularism and humanism are more to do with how society is organised, and ethical living.

In essence, the first three (theism, atheism, agnosticism) deal with belief, while the latter two (secularism, humanism) deal with practice and values.

When you encounter phrases like "secular Buddhism," "secular Islam," or "secular Christianity," it generally indicates an approach that:

Emphasizes the ethical and practical aspects:

These approaches often focus on the moral teachings, philosophical insights, and practical techniques (like meditation) of the religion, while downplaying or reinterpreting supernatural or metaphysical elements.

Separates religious practice from institutional authority:

It can involve a distancing from traditional religious institutions, doctrines, and hierarchies.

Prioritizes reason and individual experience:

Secular adherents may emphasize critical thinking, personal interpretation, and aligning religious principles with modern scientific understanding.

Focuses on worldly applications:

There is often a strong emphasis on applying religious principles to improve life in the present world, rather than focusing solely on afterlife or salvation.

Here's a little more detail:

Secular Buddhism:

Often focuses on the practical application of Buddhist principles, such as mindfulness and meditation, for stress reduction and personal well-being, sometimes without adherence to traditional Buddhist beliefs like reincarnation.

Secular Christianity:

May involve focusing on the ethical teachings of Jesus, such as compassion and social justice, while reinterpreting or rejecting traditional doctrines like the divinity of Christ or the literal interpretation of the Bible.

Secular Islam:

Can involve emphasizing the social justice aspects of Islam, promoting reason and critical thinking within Islamic thought, and advocating for the separation of religion and state.

Essentially, "secular" in this context signifies a move towards:

A more humanistic interpretation of religious teachings.

A focus on the practical benefits of religious practice in everyday life.

A greater degree of individual autonomy in religious interpretation.

It's important to note that these secular interpretations can be controversial within traditional religious communities.

The intersection of ethics, science, and secularism...

Shared Ethical Ground:

Many ethical principles, such as the Golden Rule (treating others as you'd like to be treated), compassion, and the importance of social justice, are found in both religious and secular ethical systems.

Therefore, an atheist scientist can certainly adhere to ethical principles that overlap with those found in secular interpretations of religions.

Secular Ethics:

Secular ethics are based on reason, empathy, and human experience, rather than religious doctrine.

Many scientists, regardless of their personal beliefs, operate within a framework of secular ethics that emphasizes:

Honesty and integrity in research.

Respect for human dignity.

The pursuit of knowledge for the benefit of humanity.

Avoiding harm.

Therefore the scientific method itself has ethical implications.

Compatibility:

The subset of religious teachings that emphasize ethical behavior, social responsibility, and human well-being often aligns with secular ethical principles.

An atheist scientist might find that these principles resonate with their own moral compass, even if they don't subscribe to the religious beliefs from which they originated.

Humanism's Role:

Secular humanism provides a framework for ethical decision-making that is independent of religious belief.

It emphasizes human values, reason, and compassion, which can guide an atheist scientist's ethical choices.

In essence, an atheist scientist can draw upon ethical principles that are also present in secular interpretations of religions, because those ethical principles often reflect universal human values.