Changes

"'''Religion'''" refers to a set of core beliefs upon which people base their lives.  Beyond this general definition, the word "religion" is used in several ways:

"'''Religion'''" refers to a set of core beliefs upon which people base their lives.  Beyond this general definition, the word "religion" is used in several ways:

* '''Formal definition of religion''':  "The service and worship of God or the supernatural;"<ref>[http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=religion "Religion"] in Merriam Webster dictionary.</ref>  Under this definition, [[atheism]], [[agnosticism]], and [[secular humanism]] are not "religions."  <ref>Religious Groups Participating in Religious Congregations & Membership Study 2000. [http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/alldenoms.asp]</ref>.

* '''Formal definition''':  "The service and worship of [[God]] or the [[supernatural]];"<ref>[http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=religion "Religion"] in Merriam Webster dictionary.</ref>  Under this definition, [[atheism]], [[agnosticism]], and [[secular humanism]] are not "religions."  <ref>Religious Groups Participating in Religious Congregations & Membership Study 2000. [http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/alldenoms.asp]</ref>.

* '''Functional definition of religion''':  "A cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith"<ref>[http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=religion "Religion"] in Merriam Webster dictionary.</ref>  By this definition, non-theistic belief systems such as [[atheism]], [[humanism]], and [[agnosticism]] could be considered religions. Indeed, the Supreme Court of the [[United States of America]] has acknowledged that "religion" does not need to include a belief in a god or gods, and included humanism as an example of a non-theistic religion.<ref>"Among religions in this country which do not teach what would generally be considered a belief in the existence of God, are Buddhism, Taoism, Ethical Culture, Secular Humanism, and others.".  [http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/cgi-bin/getcase.pl?court=us&vol=367&invol=488#t11 Torcaso v. Watkins, (1961)]</ref><ref>Another U.S. court has also ruled atheism enjoys protection as a religion.<ref>"A federal court of appeals ruled ... Wisconsin prison officials violated an inmate's rights because they did not treat atheism as a religion."  [http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=45874 Court rules atheism a religion] WorldNet Daily</ref>

* '''Functional definition''':  "A cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith"<ref>[http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=religion "Religion"] in Merriam Webster dictionary.</ref>  By this definition, non-theistic belief systems such as [[atheism]], [[humanism]], and [[agnosticism]] could be considered religions. Indeed, the Supreme Court of the [[United States of America]] has acknowledged that "religion" does not need to include a belief in a god or gods, and included Secular Humanism as an example of a non-theistic religion.<ref>"Among religions in this country which do not teach what would generally be considered a belief in the existence of God, are Buddhism, Taoism, Ethical Culture, Secular Humanism, and others.".  [http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/cgi-bin/getcase.pl?court=us&vol=367&invol=488#t11 Torcaso v. Watkins, (1961)]</ref><ref>"A federal court of appeals ruled ... Wisconsin prison officials violated an inmate's rights because they did not treat atheism as a religion."  [http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=45874 Court rules atheism a religion] WorldNet Daily</ref>

* '''Organizational definition of religion''':  Under the definition, the term refers to a particular religious organisation, such a [[Roman Catholic|Catholicism]], [[Methodist|Methodism]], or [[Lutheran]]ism.  These organizations generlaly consist of a central creed or body of beliefs, an ethical component (i.e. a code of morals), a body of literature or holy texts or stories, and a set of individual and communal practices.  Under this definition, a person might say, "I'm not religious, because I don't go to church -- but I believe in God."

* '''Organisational definition''':  Under the definition, the term refers to a particular religious organisation or movement, such a [[Roman Catholic|Catholicism]], [[Methodist|Methodism]], or [[Lutheran]]ism.  These groups generally consist of a central creed or body of beliefs, an ethical component (i.e. a code of morals), a body of literature or holy texts or stories, and a set of individual and communal practices.  Under this definition, a person might say, "I'm not religious, because I don't go to church&mdash;but I believe in God."

* '''Practice definition of religion''':  Under this definition, the term refers to a set of practices, rites, or rituals observed by followers.  Under this definition, a person might say, "I'm not religious, because I'm not into rituals.  My relationship with God is enough."

* '''Practical definition''':  Under this definition, the term refers to a set of practices, rites, or rituals observed by followers.  Under this definition, a person might say, "I'm not religious, because I'm not into rituals.  My relationship with God is enough."

== List of religions ==

== List of religions ==