What does religion mean?
Let’s see first what google says to what is the meaning of religion?
According to wiki and google religion is a belief. It is a particular system of faith and worship. Or interest followed by a great devotion of a superhuman controlling power or a
Some say, religion to be a cultural system of particular practices, morals, views and prophecies. Which relates humanity to supernatural or spiritual beings.
Let’s learn more with different perspectives. . .
what does religion mean? According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church religion in a broad sense means human’s striving to find God and establish friendship or union with him. (cf GSS 19; ccc 27; YOUCAT 3)
History shows that all humans have somehow believed in a Supreme Being. As a result, they have completely dependent upon the Supreme Being for their own destiny.
1. Religion gives answer to our deepest problems
We as humans look to our different religions for an answer to the unsolved riddles of human existence.
The problems that weigh heavily on the hearts of the people are the same today as in the past ages.
Questions which people always had:
What
And finally, what is the ultimate mystery, beyond human explanation, which embraces our entire existence.
2. Humans somehow realize their dependence on a higher power.
If we look back in our history, by numerous rites, prayers and sacrifices people seek to win the goodwill of that power, or, in some higher religions, they seek union with the Supreme Being (cf ccc 28; YOUCAT 4).
Throughout history and even now a certain awareness of hidden power is found among different people. It lies behind the course of nature and the events of human life.
At times recognition of a supreme being, or still more of a Father is present among the people.
Therefore, this awareness and recognition
The religions which are founded in more advanced civilizations
Hinduism
Thus, in Hinduism men explore the divine mystery and express it both in the limitless riches of myth and the accurately defined insights of philosophy.
Hinduism seek release from the trails of the present life by ascetical practices, profound meditation and recourse to God in confidence and love
Buddhism
Buddhism, on the other hand, testifies to the essential inadequacy of this changing world. It proposes the way of life by which a human can, with confidence and trust, attain a state of perfect liberation. Therefore, reach supreme illumination either through their own efforts or by the aid of divine help.
Islam
In Islam, Muslims worship God, who is one, living and existing, merciful and almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, who has also spoken to men just as God spoke to Abraham and other prophets in the Bible. The Church has also a high regard for the Muslims.
Muslims strive to submit themselves without reserve to the hidden decrees of God, just as Abraham submitted himself to God’s plan, to whose faith Muslims eagerly link their own. Although not acknowledging him as God, they worship Jesus as a prophet.
Similarly, all other religions attempt in their own ways to calm the hearts of people by outlining a programme of life covering doctrine, moral precepts and rites.
3. God himself has put this restlessness into human heart.
It is the privilege of spiritual beings to be oriented towards the infinite. This opening towards the infinite prevents them from being satisfied with any finite good, and they always seed beyond.
Conclusion
Definition of religion in google is not going to answer our question to what does religion mean. Religion in short means humans striving to find God, connecting to Him in our own unique ways.
Uniting with Him knowing and understanding of a greater power, a Supreme Being to whom we can depend upon and grow in friendship with Him.
Thou hast made us for thee, and our heart is restless until it comes to rest in thee.
Confessions of St. Augustine