The meaning of the word 'religion' is:
What is your definition of the word, religion?
too ambiguous
Side Score: 1
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reasonably definable
Side Score: 4
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2
points
I don't think one has to go through hoops to define religion in general. Perhaps defining your own would entail much more but that's up to the individual who is trying to define it. For me, religion is quite reasonably defined as belief in a higher being and faith in what is not always visible to the naked eye. That higher being is named "God" in my religion and I believe in Him with all my heart. I believe in Him because I love what He and my religion stand for and lead me to. Side: reasonably definable
My definition of religion is basically any MAJOR following of a faith based belief of the answers to life and the Universe which includes a set of standards (such as the bible) that the faithful must follow. for example: Belief in Evolution is based on a mountain of evidence and research that virtually proves it to be true. Therefore, despite it only being a theory, belief in evolution is NOT a religion. Belief in Christianity is majorly based on the bible and church. Many followers may have personal experiences that happen to them or a loved one that causes them to believe (and for that, i can not debate on). Their reasoning for it may be anecdotal, and the only rational behind their belief. But the religion itself is faith based. There is no proof that what the bible says is true (existence of God or Jesus) and there is no proof that following the practice will actually get them into Heaven. therefore, Christianity is a religion because a follower can not prove to a non-follower that it is fact through reasoning, rationalizing, logic, or experimentation. Side: reasonably definable
Umm, it's right here. And it's only got four usage definitions, so it's obviously not too difficult to pin down. Not as difficult as, say, "love". Side: reasonably definable
The definition is circular in uses 1, and 2. Use number three includes every human being with a conscience. The fourth use describes the term religious. It also is circular in meaning. M/W definition of the term, religion, is not a definition. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Definition A definition must set out the essential attributes of the thing defined. Definitions should avoid circularity. To define a horse as 'a member of the species equus' would convey no information whatsoever. For this reason, Locke adds that a definition of a term must not consist of terms which are synonymous with it. This would be a circular definition, a circulus in definiendo. Note, however, that it is acceptable to define two relative terms in respect of each other. Clearly, we cannot define 'antecedent' without using the term 'consequent', nor conversely. The definition must not be too wide or too narrow. It must be applicable to everything to which the defined term applies (i.e. not miss anything out), and to nothing else (i.e. not include any things to which the defined term would not truly apply). The definition must not be obscure. The purpose of a definition is to explain the meaning of a term which may be obscure or difficult, by the use of terms that are commonly understood and whose meaning is clear. The violation of this rule is known by the Latin term obscurum per obscurius. However, sometimes scientific and philosophical terms are difficult to define without obscurity. (See the definition of Free will in Wikipedia, for instance). A definition should not be negative where it can be positive. We should not define 'wisdom' as the absence of folly, or a healthy thing as whatever is not sick. Sometimes this is unavoidable, however. We cannot define a point except as 'something with no parts', nor blindness except as 'the absence of sight in a creature that is normally sighted'.
What is your definition of religion? Side: too ambiguous
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