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→Philosophy or Principle
According to them, for the person who is born again, "religion" can only interfere and distract from that prayerful union.
According to them, for the person who is born again, "religion" can only interfere and distract from that prayerful union.
==Philosophy or Principle==
==Religion as Philosophy or Principle==
The definition of religion as a cause, principle, or system of beliefs is probably the broadest definition of the term. By this definition, non-theistic belief systems such as [[atheism]], [[humanism]], and [[agnosticism]] can 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>
The definition of religion as a cause, principle, or system of beliefs is probably the broadest definition of the term. By this definition, non-theistic belief systems such as [[atheism]], [[humanism]], and [[agnosticism]] can 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>
Atheists typically reject that atheism is a religion because it rejects the existence of God.
Atheists typically reject that atheism is a religion because it rejects the existence of God.
Since the belief in gods is not essential to Buddhism, it is sometimes not considered to be a religion, but a philosophy,
Since the belief in gods is not essential to Buddhism, it is sometimes not considered to be a religion, but a philosophy,
== List of religions ==
== List of religions ==