Main Entry: re�li�gion Pronunciation: \ri-ˈli-jən\ Function: noun Etymology: Middle English religioun, from Anglo-French religiun, Latin religion-, religio supernatural constraint, sanction, religious practice, perhaps from religare to restrain, tie back — more at rely Date: 13th century 1 a : the state of a religious <a nun in her 20th year of religion> b (1) : the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2) : commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance 2 : a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices 3 archaic : scrupulous conformity : conscientiousness 4 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith — re�li�gion�less adjective
My bolds added.
Now, since using a word to define itself is never accepted in accademia, let us define "religious" and "religious faith".
Here is how Websters defines "religious"
Originally Posted by Websters Dictionary
Definition of RELIGIOUS
1
: relating to or manifesting faithful devotion to an acknowledged ultimate reality or deity <a religious person> <religious attitudes>
2
: of, relating to, or devoted to religious beliefs or observances <joined a religious order>
3
a: scrupulously and conscientiously faithful b: fervent, zealous
� re�li�gious�lyadverb
� re�li�gious�nessnoun
See religious defined for English-language learners �
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Examples of RELIGIOUS
My religious beliefs forbid the drinking of alcohol. Religious leaders called for an end to the violence. His wife is very active in the church, but he's not religious himself.
Origin of RELIGIOUS
Middle English, from Anglo-French religius, from Latin religiosus, from religio First Known Use: 13th century
Bold on the word "OR".
Since the word "belief" is used in all of these definitions, we need to look at that too.
The point is, Jeff, even these definitions support the idea that Humanism and Atheism are, in fact, Religions. The existance or lack there of of a diety does not itself define a Religion.
If that were the case, then Atheist would have zero claim against school prayer, as prayer would not step on their "beliefs", since they aren't a religion.
"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." - John Adams
