01 n. 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…
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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.
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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.
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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.
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4.
Any system of faith and worship.
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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.” — Sir M. Hale.
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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.