( generic definition of): A means of getting in touch with and of attaining at-onement with "ultimate reality." In slightly different words, a religion is a system of symbols (e.g., words and gestures, stories and practices, objects and places) that functions religiously, namely, an ongoing system of symbols that participants use to draw near to, and come into right or appropriate relationship with, what they deem to be ultimate reality.

an especially good vehicle for inciting violence because of the aforementioned lack of a need for reality to intrude

a way of ultimate transformation

a way to reach reality beyond the confines of human sense organs without resorting to artificial means

a worldview, a way of looking at the world