Defining religion is something that is nearly impossible. Even inside the same church belief is something that is extremely varied and religion to one man is often called myth by another and even a cult by the third. In addition to this it often seems that those who claim to have no religion such as atheists are often more fervent in their beliefs than those who go to church every Sunday, yet they knew that you can't prove that God doesn't exist and most will admit that.

At its most basic religion is a set of beliefs about the universe typically with some type of supernatural element. And, though religion at its most basic definition does not require an organization, organized religion is the most commonly understood form.

Religion is more than simply a set of beliefs though. That is dogma and while it is important it is only one tiny subset of religion. Religion is something far deeper. It is at its core the desire of all men to understand the universe and create some connection to it.

The basic desire to understand the universe, to know its rules and to understand its meaning is at the core of religion. It is for this reason that atheists can believe that they have an improved understanding of the universe and become almost religious about that fact without being a contradiction. At its heart they are seeking truth the same as everyone else.

The question of myth versus religion is one that is also difficult. The word myth is often used to devaluate ideas because it has been associated with the ancient religions, but it is not at its core a derogatory statement. Mythology is simply the stories that are associated with a culture, a religion or a person. The bible is Christian mythology in the sense that it is the stories that define that religion.

Cult is an even more inflammatory word. Associated with mass suicides and brainwashing. Yet this term is often used for much larger organizations more because they are unpopular than because they have any connection to these techniques. No matter whether they are dangerous or simply misunderstood the core of these remains the same. The search for a connection and understanding of the universe. A natural human loneliness that seemingly can only be answered through religious means.

A desire for understanding and connection is inborn in all humanity, and at its most basic religion is the search for those answers and the connections. In this way the most devoted Christian, the most fervent Muslim and the most convinced atheist, and even the members of dangerous cults all have the same religious goals, to understand the universe and our place in it and that is what religion is.

Learn more about this author, Elton Gahr.
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