The English word "religion" is derived from the Middle English "religioun," which came from the Old French "religion." It may have been originally derived from the Latin word "religo," which means "good faith," "ritual," and other similar meanings. Or it may have come from the Latin "religâre," which means "to tie fast."
Defining the world "religion" is fraught with difficulty. Many attempts have been made to define the term. and many people focus on a very narrow definition that matches the individual's own religion.
Many definitions however focus too narrowly on only a few aspects of religion; they tend to exclude those religions that do not fit well. As Kile Jones wrote in his essay on defining religion: "It is apparent that religion can be seen as a theological, philosophical, anthropological, sociological, and psychological phenomenon of human kind. To limit religion to only one of those categories is to miss its multifaceted nature and lose out on the complete definition."
Dictionary Definitions:
Some examples of definitions of the word religion:
Cambridge Encyclopedia:
"...no single definition will suffice to encompass the varied sets of traditions, practices, and ideas which constitute different religions."
The Concise Oxford Dictionary:
"Human recognition of superhuman controlling power and especially of a personal God entitled to obedience"
Dictionary.com:
"A set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
A specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
Something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice.
Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary:
"a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith."
This is a curious definition -- we would have said nonsensical, except that that would be too judgmental -- because it does not require elements often associated with religion, such as deity, morality, worldview, etc. Capitalism, homophobia, transphobia, President Obama's place of birth, and other beliefs might fit this definition. Also it requires that a person pursue their religion with enthusiasm. Many people identify themselves with a specific religion, but are not intensely engaged with their faith.
Webster's New World Dictionary (Third College Edition):
"any specific system of belief and worship, often involving a code of ethics and a philosophy."
This definition would exclude religions that do not engage in worship. It implies that there are two important components to religion:
one's belief and worship in a deity or deities
one's ethical behavior towards other persons
Exert courtesy of: http://www.religioustolerance.org/rel_defn1.htm
Judaism: Read page 7
Hinduism: Read page 14
Buddhism: Read page 14-15
Christianity: Read page 18-19
Islam: Read page 32-33
Religion Chart Activity: Religion Website link
Religion basics: http://www.omsakthi.org/religions.html