http://christianity.net.au/questions/what_is_religion_do_we_need_it_and_if_so_why
Thought I would duck back and drop this in your lap Y.
Has an interesting view of the word you wanted.
Still a God bothers thing, must dash bringing the bin home.

Belly,

I suspect Yuyutsu would say that the destruction taking place in Gaza has nothing whatsoever to do with God - that it has everything to do with what goes on in the minds of men...who are, for all their intelligence, quite base and carnal creatures whose real talents lie in their ingenuity to invent more diabolical and expedient ways to kill and maim their own kind.

What other earthly creature attacks its fellows as does man, (aside from ants and occasionally rats)?

Not sure I can, Yuyutsu.

>>Dear Pericles, Can you help me interpret Belly's words?<<

But they are as gently flowing crystal water, compared with your own musings.

>>Well, everyone follows God, even the butchers and the bakers - some do it consciously others not, some believe so, others not, but ultimately that's the direction we're all heading to, whether or not we've ever seen or heard about a church or a synagogue or a mosque or a temple.<<

It is the involuntary nature of these followings that muddy the waters so. If, as you suggest, I am "following God" whether or not I am aware that I am doing so, and whether or not I accept that there is such a thing (or equally, a non-thing) how are you able to detect this movement?

It is not sufficient to say "you just do", by the way. That would be a complete cop-out.

Add to this your confusing claim that God simultaneously exists and does not exist - much like Schrodinger's damn' cat - and Belly becomes the very model of clarity and substance.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion
Another definition of the word religion.
And the advice it is thought 4.200 different ones exist.
Poirot I understand.
But find it impossible to separate those acts done in the name of God, by his/her followers.
In fact the very reason I think we must confront Gods, is the things we do, in the name of nonexistent Gods.
How do we consider the 4.200 Gods?
Each loved cherished and followed.
Have we the right to say 4.199 are rubbish?
And is a unified human race possible if we continue to squabble over God?
Is that the out come a divine God would find good?

Suseonline I've never heard of atheists "...getting public displays of Christianity removed from schools, courts."

By your own statements, you want all reference to religion removed from schools. Hello!
If it isn't atheists demanding the removal of crosses from hospital chapels, ten commandments plaques from courts or prayer from anywhere, then who is? Not the majority Christian population!

“or be seen to promote religion at all. If one wants their children taught about religion, then send them to a religious school.”

Religion is part of the world/society we live in.
It's one period a week, and you don't even have to attend! I never did.
Me and the other exemptions just sat in the playground and caught up on homework. Big deal.

DiamondPete 3 words. Dietyless religions exist.
3 words. Certainty is impossible.

Belly “WE DO think Gods of ancient Greece and Egypt never existed.”

Quit it with the “we” stuff. Each person has their own opinion. Say "I think".
Most of the god-forms exist in all religions. They just have different names.
The essential meaning of each archetypal element is the same. (e.g. fertility, death, war, art).
The notion of gods is that these essential forces may indeed exist as distinct entities beyond our own consciousness.
Can you know for sure they don't?

BTW To everyone presuming I actually adhere to any known faith, I don't.
As Frida once sang, "I know there's something going on".
I'm just not sure what. I certainly think there's more going on than just atoms and flesh.

I respond to these tiresome "debates" only because a Devil's Advocate (pun intended) is rarely heard.
Just the usual crowd of atheist Veruca Salts, stamping their feet and pouting because everyone doesn't agree with them.

>>I certainly think there's more going on than just atoms and flesh.<<

Like an energy field created by all living things that surrounds us and penetrates us and binds the galaxy together?

Cheers,

Tony