Religion is a human phenomenon that defies easy definition. It is commonly understood as a group of beliefs or attitudes concerning an object (real or imagined), person (real or imagined), or system of thought considered to be supernatural, sacred, or divine, and the moral codes, practices, values, institutions, and rituals associated with such belief or system of thought. It is sometimes used interchangeably with "faith" or "belief system"The words "belief system" may not necessarily refer to a religion, though a religion may be referred to as "belief system." In the course of the development of religion, it has taken many forms in various cultures and individuals.

Occasionally, the word "religion" is used in the more restrictive sense of "organized religion" — that is, an organization of people supporting the exercise of some religion, often taking the form of a legal entity (see religion-supporting organization).

Definition of religion

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There are many definitions of religion, and most have struggled to avoid an overly sharp definition on the one hand, and meaningless generalities on the other. Some have tried to use formalistic, doctrinal definitions and others have tried to use experiential, emotive, intuitive, valuational and ethical factors.

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Culture - International Herald Tribune

Naples's notoriety trumps its culture
By MICHAEL KIMMELMAN Wed, 15 Oct 2008 21:03:06 -0000
Culture was supposed to be Naples's salvation, but the city's problems with trash and crime are still overpowering any gains.
San Francisco Ballet's excellent Balanchine
By ALASTAIR MACAULAY Wed, 15 Oct 2008 21:03:06 -0000
The company's performance of "The Four Temperaments" is the best account of this tremendous ballet the reviewer has seen in the world in several years.
Book Review: 'I See You Everywhere'
REVIEWED BY LIESL SCHILLINGER Wed, 15 Oct 2008 21:03:06 -0000
In her third and most autobiographical novel, Julia Glass presents a double portrait of mismatched sisters, Louisa and Clem Jardine, whose lives are intertwined.
Tempting controversy at the Comédie Française
By MARY BLUME Wed, 15 Oct 2008 21:03:06 -0000
Muriel Mayette, the administrateur général in charge of the Comédie-Française, is embroiled in a headache-inducing controversy about her hope to extend the Comédie's activities to the MC93 theater in Bobigny.
When caricature becomes the message
By EDWARD ROTHSTEIN Wed, 15 Oct 2008 21:03:06 -0000
A bumbling president, a rube candidate, a greedy politician - such are the caricatures of political life. Whether accurate or not, they can be more powerful than any argument.
Targeted Pashtun singer finds a haven in New York
By BEN SISARIO Wed, 15 Oct 2008 21:03:06 -0000
A hostile cultural climate forced Haroon Bacha, a Pashtun musician, to leave Pakistan and come to New York.

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