Definition
- The belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods.
1.1) A particular system of faith and worship.
1.2) A pursuit or interest followed with great devotion.
Origin
Middle English (originally in the sense ‘life under monastic vows’): from Old French, or from Latin religio(n-) ‘obligation, bond, reverence’, perhaps based on Latin religare ‘to bind’.
According to Cicero derived from relegere "go through again" (in reading or in thought), from re- "again" (re-) + legere "read." However, popular etymology among the later ancients (Servius, Lactantius, Augustine) and the interpretation of many modern writers connects it with religare "to bind fast" (rely), via notion of "place an obligation on," or "bond between humans and gods." In that case, the re- would be intensive. Another possible origin is religiens "careful," opposite of negligens. In English, meaning "particular system of faith" is recorded from c. 1300; sense of "recognition of and allegiance in manner of life (perceived as justly due) to a higher, unseen power or powers" is from 1530s.
Using Religion as Power
Throughout history organized Religion has been used to rule, enslave and subjugate countless people believing in a "divine right of kings" or some form of "manifest destiny." (R)eligion has no doubt been used to establish illegitimate authority to "bind" people for centuries.
Using religion Against Power
But (r)eligion, the idea, has served as a basic teaching of right and wrong. Religion as "a particular system of faith or worship," without a coercive authoriry dictating the dogma for personal gain is a teaching of basic morals and values.
The choice is ultimately up to the individual.
Literacy is slavery unless critical thinking is applied.
-Aahabb-
This post is part of the #minnowuprising, an effort to rack up some SP for minnows and redfish during the month of July. Check out 