Cowboy you can believe what ever you want but I don't want to debate the issue. I just don't agree with what you think "religion" means irregardless what definition you found. Its just not correct.

1. I'm not debating, I'm discussing. Just because two people don't see eye to eye, doesn't mean they are "debating". They are purely discussing their differences. We're different people, we believe differently. Nothing wrong with that. Debating with someone is when two people are trying to win a competition, prove the other wrong, or prove themselves right. Well we're talking on a spiritual level, there ain't a dern thing either one of us can "prove" about either one of our different beliefs.

2. All to most of the definitions from any source usually contains the definition I presented and or something close to. From free dictionary, to webster's dictionary. So even when something is shown to you to be the fact(s), if you don't wish to believe it, you won't? Interesting...

You are debating. I'm just telling you that you have the wrong idea about what "religion" means.

Your definition is not written in stone and it is not the Law, and it is certainly not the only definition.

Instead of debating and defending your position, you should try learning something.

re·li·gion   [ri-lij-uhn] Show IPA
noun
1.
a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
2.
a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
3.
the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
4.
the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
5.
the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
EXPAND

You are debating, I'll show why. The following definition(s) apply to Karma.

- a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.

- the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.


Karma would be the specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons. Many people practice the belief in karma thus "agreed upon by a number of persons". Enough said on this matter, for now. You refuse to believe you follow a "religion" or "religious beliefs" and doesn't matter if you believe you do or not, is irrelevant and I'm done with this.

There is no name for my religion. It is a one person religion.

To me, that does not qualify as a religion.

No it's not a "religion" if just YOU believe in it. But it is a "religious" belief.

If you say so, and if that makes you happy. It doesn't matter to me what you call it. Its no big deal and its not important.

Christianity is not a religion, but a personal relationship between God and those that have accepted Him. I don't practice a religion. I have a relationship and fellowship with God. The world looks at a few people who have gone off the deep end with bible scriptures and judge all Christian as being in a cult.

The bible does not have many interpretations, people interpreted it many different way, and that doesn't make it right. When God made Adam and Eve in the beginning, it wasn't so He would have someone He could lorded over and rule with an iron fist.

Yes there are many different beliefs in the world. There's always this war go on with people who say that my religion is the true one. My relationship is based on faith, not a religion, faith in a God I have never seen, but have seen work in my life. A God I have never felt, but in his Word He says who so ever comes to me must believe that I Am, never said must feel that I am, hear that I am or see that I am, He said you must believe that I Am.
Christianity is not an organization, and is not a set of rituals, it is a personal relationship with God.

Very well put :).

if i were to substitute the first word in this post, 'christianity', with the word 'islam' or 'judaism' or 'shinto', would you agree with the new statement? any dictionary will have as a definition of 'religion' a belief in a deity or god. christianity most definately is a religion.

lets look at the free dictionary

religion:
a. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.
b. A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.
2. The life or condition of a person in a religious order.
3. A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.
4. A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.



so, according to the above, christianity does fit all definitions, BUT

buddhism also would fall under definition 3

and most sports would fall under definition 4, where athletes are concerned..lol

,, gotta love ENglish,,,,

Problem with that is, there are rituals and things as a part of this personal relationship you speak of. If it's personal, how you worship should not matter. But in Christianity it surely does. So that doesn't work.

It is a violation of what some have deemed to be right in their eyes.

So it really is a personal thing.

I don't believe in sin, just mistakes that are there to teach us.

Amen to that my sista human bean

The "karma" I believe in is not defined as karma by those who defined "karma" anyway. I use the terminology because when you make up your own words for things people just don't understand

There are no rituals in the relationship with you and God. It doesn't matter "how" you worship, we are not taught to worship in any specific way, so it doesn't matter in Christianity "how" you worship God.

Less you can explain what you were infering with "rituals" so I could get a more clear picture of what you mean.

John 3:36

36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

No rituals required.

17Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

18Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Faith alone does not save a man, but still no "rituals". "Works" would be speaking of following the laws God has sent down for us to abide by. But still, once again, NO "rituals" required.

It's a sin to tell a lie...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT2zb8GIR10

the Bible clearly condemns 3 types of lying: bringing false accusation against others, using dishonest means to get ahead, and preaching false doctrines that lead people away from Christ. These are clearly labeled as sin. It is very easy to see that lying about one’s age is not quite the same thing. The Bible remains silent on any other type of lying, and so should a lot of people. There may be social consequences associated with certain types of lying, but to call them sin is to run ahead of the scriptures.


read more at: http://www.bibleissues.org/lying1.html

Ok so why do we need to believe what a book says then? Why do we have to accept Jesus for? All of this is about obedieance to something or someone. There is no room for a personal relationship if you MUST do it a particular way. If it was truly personal, it wouldn't matter if you believed a religious text or not, or if you accepted a blood sacrifice or not. God would see and acknowledge you based on how you seek it, not the other way around.

You can argue it all you want but it does not change this fact.

what comes first, us aknowledging and seeking God, or God aknowledging and seeking us?

this seems the philisophical difference behind most debates


'why doesnt God do,,,, for me' OR 'why should I do....for God'?

VS

'why dont we do.....as God instructs' or 'why SHOULD God do....for us if we dont,,,,do as God instructs'?


its the philisophical , which comes first question,,,