Religion /(rē̇*lĭj"ŭn)/

Re·li·gion

Religion

n.
  1. A belief in the being and perfections of God, in the revelation of his will to man, in man's obligation to obey his commands; and also true godliness or piety of life, with the practice of all moral duties. It therefore comprehends theology, as a system of doctrines or principles, as well as practical piety; for the practice of moral duties without a belief in a divine lawgiver is not religion.
  2. Religion, as distinct from theology, is godliness or real piety in practice.
    Religion will attend you . . . as a pleasant and useful companion, in every proper place, and every temperate occupation of life.
    — Buckminster.
  3. Religion, as distinct from virtue, or morality, consists in the performance of the duties one owes directly to God.
    Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion.
    — Washington.
  4. Any system of faith and worship.
  5. Strictness of fidelity in conforming to any practice, as if it were an enjoined rule of conduct. [R.]
    Those parts of pleading which in ancient times might perhaps be material, but at this time are become only mere styles and forms, are still continued with much religion.
  6. Any practice to which someone or some group is seriously devoted.

Phrases & Compounds
Natural religion
a religion based upon the evidences of a God and his qualities, which is supplied by natural phenomena. See Natural theology, under Natural.
Religion of humanity
a name sometimes given to a religion founded upon positivism as a philosophical basis.