Is there religion without god?

[pinto]

[safeinOhio]

1. Yes

[pinto]

2. Agree.

[Polly Hennessey]

3. Yes. n/t

[AtheistCrusader]

4. Clearly.

But hopefully not for too much longer.

[Warren Stupidity]

8. +1

[cbayer]

5. Yes.

Buddhism to start with.

[xfundy]

13. As I understand it

Buddhism is a philosophy, not a religion.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

6. "God" is a meaningless word.

Because it represents a concept that varies from one person to another.

[cbayer]

7. Perhaps, then, it is an encompassing word?

[pinto]

10. I kind of like that.

[safeinOhio]

11. The Tao that is spoken of

Is not the eternal Tao

[NYC_SKP]

15. True. However, 'religion' implies a collective practice or set of beliefs, guidelines.

Most common definitions of religion suggest a social order or collective system among several individuals.

So, I think its fair to say that for religions in which the term "God" is central, there is some consensus regarding it's nature (even if personal concepts vary).

But, more to the point, I don't think the concept of a God is a requirement for a religion; unless one uses the term with great flexibility of interpretation.

I can't cite an example but it's easy to imagine a group with a tradition of honoring certain practices, religious in tone, but without a God or Gods, Icons, etc.

A novice with cultural anthropology, world theology was never a strong point for me.

[LiberalAndProud]

9. My magic eight ball says ...

[Flo Mingo]

12. Religion without (a) God

is spiritualism, which I would define as a search for understanding of our nature (energy? soul?) and its source.

[LostOne4Ever]

14. Taoism & Buddhism amoung others (nt)

[Manifestor_of_Light]

16. yep.

There is absolutely no need for a God in Buddhism. Tibetan is pretty superstitious.
Other branches are not. The Buddha said that god or gods were irrelevant when he was asked about it. His job was to help people deal with their reality.