Well, it seems that Shintoism complies well enough but I know that Taoism, Animism and Buddhism are considered religions. By the grounds on which you argue they aren't, you end up in circularity: Any religion is purple because something that isn't purple isn't a religion, by definition.
Buddhism:
Quote:
Originally Posted by alexander
it does however comply with the 3 rules
1) Salvation through learning the true nature of reality
2) A way to higher being is inside all of us, and a way to that being is though the balance of good and bad
3) They do actively recruit
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Perhaps some variants do recruit in some places but certainly not the way it's a tenet of Christianity for instance. I'm not sure what you mean by "higher being" but I know Buddhism does not claim existence of any god(s) and even scorns such practices. It teaches reincarnation rather than salvation of the soul and enlightenment isn't what I'd call salvation. At that rate we might as well argue about whether the same goes for science, even; I don't see the point of it. We could of course discuss whether the same goes for Scientology.
I certainly agree that Animism is not one single body. Heck, neither are Christianity and Islam, there are even variants of Judaism. I think Animism is a collective term for creeds in different continents, even having quite unrelated origins. Christianity is perhaps even more fractious by the time you go from the Orthodox and Catholic churches to the Witnesses, Mormons and whatnot. Animism is definitely a kind religious belief.
In any case, aside from what we mean by what words, the only common ground one can identify religions with is a belief in something spiritual and making it an important aspect of one's life.
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Inutil insegnà al mus, si piart timp, in plui si infastidìs la bestie.
Hypography Forum PITA...... er, Administrator.
