Religion, on the most basic level, is a system of beliefs. Beyond that, the word has a plethora of meanings. Wikipedia defines religion as “is a social-cultural system of designated behaviors and practices, morals, worldviews, texts, sanctified places, prophecies, ethics, or organizations, that relates humanity to supernatural, transcendental, or spiritual elements.” However, it mentions that there is no officially agreed upon definition on what constitutes a religion. I believe that religion goes much deeper than simply a set of beliefs. For example, someone could believe in a conspiracy theory, and the web of that in itself is a system of beliefs. But that is not a religion. Religion is also not simply belief in a being higher than oneself, like God. For example, Atheism is a religion. Religion in a way is a system of beliefs that requires a response. It places personal demands upon us and encourages us to conduct our daily lives in a way that is unique, a way that makes us better people. For many religions, such as Islam and Buddhism, this comes in the form of daily prayer and fast. But more than that, a good religion seeks to change the way we live our lives for the better. In Christianity, we are challenged to live each day as Jesus lived his. We are pushed to be kind and loving, because in this religion a core virtue is that God is love. Religions are a great part of our world. They unite many people and provide a moral code for how we should live our lives. When a religion is criticized, it is often due to a manipulation by those who do not understand it, or do understand it and manipulate it for others who are vulnerable. But religion in itself is an uplifting concept that fosters personal and communal growth.
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Alyssa's Blog 
I really liked that you emphasized the position of the person who is participating in a certain religion, and that each person who chooses to follow a certain set of beliefs or claim himself to a religion has a responsibility to the religion itself and to others who are part of that group. Your focus on religion as uplifting and bringing a sense of community to people who may be different in other aspects of their lives is very interesting as well, because although people from different religions may disagree, it often is a misunderstanding. I think it is good to focus on all the benefits that religion brings to our lives and how it gives us a moral sense of responsibility for choosing to either act or not act a certain way. Overall, I really like your ideas!
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I really enjoyed reading your blog and what you define and understand religion to be. I like how you mention that religion can’t be simply considered to be a set of beliefs since it is something that goes way beyond that. I agree with the idea that just believing in something makes it count as a religion. There is much more depth and a bigger essence in what a religion involves. I also find it interesting how you mention that Atheism is also a religion since I have never considered this perspective. Given how Atheism is the lack of a belief in something greater, I hadn’t thought of it as a religion within itself. Yet, thinking more about it I do agree with your claim. Lastly, I think that the point you make that religion aims to make us change our lifestyles and become better humans that lead a life of good values and morals is very important. Religion is not just believing in something, but trying to learn and grow from such beliefs.
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I agree with your standpoint that because Religion lacks a universal definition it is extremely difficult to differentiate between what is a religion, what is a belief, or what is simply a moral action. I agree that the most important aspect of religion is that it is dictated by following a set of beliefs in accordance with the standard of the idea of that religion. It is our devotion to religion and these ideas that cause us to grow as a person, not the intent of the religion itself. It also varies depending on our purpose for following the religion, as one following Christianity out of fear has a drastically different outcome than one based on morals.
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