I regard it as a religion...because it has temples, priests and offerings....that is a religion as far as I’m concerned,

In the academic world Buddhism is considered one of the six world religions because it fits most of the criteria.

All things considered, it’s probably one of the “cleanest” religions. It has a soteriology, so it is unquestionably a religion, though there are variations between sects.

1. Theravada Buddhism: The School Of The Elders
2. Mahayana Buddhism
3. Pure Land Buddhism
4. Tibetan Buddhism
5. Vajrayana Buddhism

Buddhism is a system based on practice and individual experience rather than on theology or dogma. It is a collection of religious and philosophical ideas, and practiced as a religion globally. Inside each of those main "schools" (denominations) are many sub sects and tribal variations.

Is there any spiritual, magical, supernatural etc? So yes it is a religion.
There might be no god, but the "rules and truths" make the reality, universe (whatever it is called) in Buddhism behave like a "de facto" god.
Plus postulating existence of spirits, incarnations and all sorts of post life phenomena only adds to religion-ish stuff.

Philosophy or spiritual... Regarding the development of the mind

Most of the world's buddhists are religious. They believe in deities and demons. Buddhism doesn't have to be religious though. Buddha was not religious. Personally I have no need for either the religion or philosophy of buddhism.

It was not meant to be a religion, it was a way of life with good principles to reduce confusion, stress, agony and increase peace of mind. Buddha said that he was against deitism, worshiping, idolizing people, But that is exactly what is going on in Buddhism as it is practiced. Even the Dalai Llama's photos are worshiped with garlands, incense sticks shit. Every country has customized Buddhism according their tastes.

The only thing that is that is common to all religions and has remained constant across al time, lands and people is.... "Asking God for things in life"... all the time

People do not try to understand that the original idea of God was to side with the good and fight the bad to live a better, healthier, peaceful, compassionate life and reduce things that are not good for you. But what happened next is history. That would take several books to explain.

Depends. If you worship the Buddha as a God then religion, if you follow the Buddha trachings where he says he is not a God, then it's philosophy. Simple, aint it?

Buddhist temples in U.S. are federally tax exempt, so here, the answer legally is yes, they are considered to be a religion.

I always think of him as a fat little statuette some of my hippie friends burned incense in during the late 60's and 70's. That is my only thought of Buddha.

As long as you don't knock on my door to convert me, or lobby the government to force me to practice your religion, then I don't care what religion you practice.

It's both.

As philosophy is the study of explaining reality, and religions attempt to explain reality, religion is a subset of philosophy.

As Buddhism encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and spiritual practices largely based on original teachings attributed to the Buddha, its a religion.

Doesn't really matter. If you are a buddhist, but you don't believe in god,you're still an atheist.

It doesn't matter to me. I have no use for either religion or philosophy.
Well, less use for religion, but again, both are idiotic to me.

It's a spiritual philosophy. I've never thought of it like a religion though

I practice a Japanese Buddhism called Nichiren Buddhism.
It’s based around chanting which is found odd in the west.

Since Buddhism doesn't include any magic, (as far as I know), I consider it a philosophy.

The lotus symbolizes both life and regeneration....if one believes in reincarnation by thoughts of this unique species then it's bullshit religion but if viewing body&mind functions like the lotus one can be philosophical like Thomas Paine using a pocket watch as metaphor how human minds work

Religion.

I think both...

Personally I believe it is a philosophy. Buddha was not a Buddhist, Jesus was not a Christian, Mohammed was not a Muslim. People hijacked these great peoples ideas into creating religion

This the exact reason I joined this group. And posed this question. So we can all debate in a grown up and adult manner without being rude or one sided. Love it

I think its both and truthfully I don't care what others believe as long as they don't try to convince me or pray over me