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We often talk about "religion" as if it were a uniform, homogeneous entity. But I think it would be more appropriate to view religions not as homogeneous "blocks", but as BUNDLES of elements. These religious elements were and are combined differently in different religions.

These (core) elements/modules include (the following list is not exhaustive):
-Access to/dealing with/exchange with supernatural agents or entities (ancestors, spirits, gods, karma)
-Myth (explanations of the world)
-rituals-
-magic
-taboos
-emotionally charged symbols
-music and dance
-altered states of consciousness
-notions of the hereafter
-moral rules
-sacrifices
-dichotomy sacred/profane
-dichotomy pure/impure

(1) Not all of these modules or elements can be found in every religion.
(2) Many of these modules can also be found in non-religious contexts; they "migrate" into the realms of politics or art, so that the impression can arise that, say, fascism or the cult abound a music or movie star is "quasi-religious. The litmus test would be whether one ascribes supernatural capacities to the leader or the idolized star. Only in this case it would be justified to call it a genuinely religious phenomenon.

Matias 8 June 21
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Nice list of subtle cultural differences but your "we often talk about religion as if it were a uniform, homogeneous entity" does not apply to myself of anybody I know. Those I spend time with define religions as: A belief system founded on "faith" defined as (belief without evidence and often supported in defense of contradictory evidence to asserted faith based claim) For myself and those I associate with, your list of cultural differences or as you define them "blocks" (not why you use this list to define religion as in your last two notes you recognize these attributes are not necessarily linked to religions) is largely irrelevant when differentiating religious (those with faith) and rational (those that value truth (based on facts) over beliefs without supporting evidence (the faithful).

If you prefer a dictionary definition of faith "strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof."

As your litmus test of "one ascribes to supernatural capacities" and supernatural assertions are not testable i.e. (founded on faith), It looks like we have a somewhat similar definitions of religion. (although my definition does not necessitate a belief in a supernatural ability of a leader or star.)

Overall an interesting read about cultural differences. It is reasonable to assume your list of sub grouping the faithful may apply to some.

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