Religion
Religion has so many meanings that it is almost ill-advised to capture its essence in a single definition. Dr. R chooses the following description, drawn in part from The Encyclopedia of Religion: A push toward ultimacy, deepest truth and transcendance that provides norms and power for living. When distinct patterns of behavior, a shared history, codified doctrines, rituals and sacraments are built around this type of depth dimension, the resulting structure consitutes “religion” in a recognizable form. Organized religion generally refers to an organization of people who share a prescribed set of beliefs, ethical standards and rituals, usually taking the form of a legal entity. “Religion” is sometimes used interchangeably with faith or spirituality, but these latter terms are more closely associated with personal convication or a personal belief in the sacred or holy, not necessarily associated with organized religion.
