Dear Foxy,

So do you think any of what you just said would fit my definition?

Dear Mr Opinion,

I am not competent to investigate the supernatural
or to play umpire between competing faiths.
I can only discuss the social rather than the
theological aspects of religion.

Mr O, bejesus! Did Fred Flintstone say all that? I was okay with the simple message of "yabba dabba doo" it gave me spiritual comfort and meaning to life.

I get the feeling that this discussion has now
run its course.

Once again I'd like to Thank You all for your
responses and I look forward to our next
encounter.

Enjoy your evening and remember to be kind to
each other.

Dear Not_Now.Soon,

«Jesus came to save us, and not much is asked except to recognize what He did, believe in Him, and follow Him.»

Not much? Following Jesus' complete unselfish example is the most difficult (and most rewarding) achievement anyone can have. In fact it is so difficult that no one can attain it without God's grace.

It is pretty easy to hold, even preach, the view/opinion that Jesus died on the cross to save us - but true recognition and belief amounts to much more.

«In every other religion that I know of... Nothing on being saved that I'm aware of.»

Hinduism is all about salvation, Moksha (Buddhism prefers the word 'Nirvana'): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moksha

«I think Christianity is the only one that preaches that even the worst of people can turn around and be saved»

The enlightened sage Valmiki, who wrote the God-inspired epic of Ramayana (the story of Lord Rama, an incarnation of God), was originally, before he repented, a ferocious forest-robber and murderer:
http://www.parentcircle.com/article/maharishi-valmiki-the-transformation-of-a-robber-into-adikavi/

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Dear Paul,

«Well firstly you need a spiritual leader»

This may be a requisite for organised-religion, but not for religion.
And be very sure that the leader is indeed spiritual, not a pretender.

«Then you need something to worship»

You normally need a focal point so your mind does not go in a thousand directions.

«Then you need a rule book to follow»

Second only to a live teacher, if you want the teachings to be preserved for generations after his/her death.

«Then most importantly you need followers, particular cashed up one if you can find them.»

Yes, cashed up is better because they already experienced wealth and found it unsatisfactory, unfulfilling. At least they will not try this particular dead-end again.

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Dear Mr. Opinion,

«Religion is a mode of thinking about and ordering the world... How does that sound?»

Like an uniformed and wrong opinion.

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Dear Foxy,

I feel proud of your insights.

Just a few thoughts before I go that I'd like
to share with you all:

It's only been a short while since my mother
passed away and I am so grateful in being
able to tell her of my love.
My mother was my biggest booster, I hers.

I marvelled at the capability with which she
organised her life. Will you look at my mother
I used to think. What a beautiful person. It
was difficult when dementia set in.

I therefore want to say we should take nothing for
granted.

You know the Aztecs were terrified each night when
the sun set that it would not rise again the next
morning. They were grateful for each dawn.

It takes a long time to become a person. Longer than
they tell you. Longer than I thought. I am grateful
for my ancestry, it has given me the present. I
want to do well by the future.

Take care.