Religion is a collection of images and ideas that cause powerful acts and feelings in people, through beliefs and opinions about life and making these beliefs so solid and real that the actions or feelings seem differently real.
This translation of the definition of religion by Clifford Geertz seems to me to be accurate as is possible, considering the thing which is being described. I agree with this definition in that religion is seen as the images or symbols that affect a large group of people in a certain way. Religion is not the people that follow it, it is something entirely different. Also, the people who follow these symbols believe in them so strongly, and firmly percieve them to be real, which is faith. That is the key to understanding and defining religion.
However, I also think that religion is a constantly changing and extremely varied thing. It is impossible to completely and accurately define it, so obviously this definition, nor any other, can ever be totally correct. The idea of religion differs among the religious sects, and from person to person within those sects. It is more of an idea that a person can think of or refer to, than a thing that can be clearly defined and explained.
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