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Originally Posted by AlphaFrog
This is exactly the problem - I never said that Buddhism is less then a religion. I said it wasn't a religion, but I didn't say it was less then one. It's like me saying that the Chess Club isn't a fraternity. That doesn't imply that the Chess Club isn't any more or less important then a fraternity, it just isn't one. According to the Western (including the US, where we live) definition of "religion" Buddhism does not fit, because it lacks a deity or creator. It's a seperate (not greater or less) thing. And before someone says it, I realize that Buddhism is an Eastern world thing, and that's why it doesn't fit the Western defintion, but that's exactly my point. I would like to know the exact translation for "religion" in Chinese, because I'm sure the word has different implications and definitions then it does in English.
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re·li·gion (r-ljn)
n.
1.
- - a. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.
- - b. A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.
2. The life or condition of a person in a religious order.
3. A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.
4. A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.
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I think Buddhism fits all of these (dictionary) definitions. Also, you should know, then, that "Creator" should be able to have "higher order or authority" substituted in for a successful defintion - and Buddhism fits that definition as well. Just because there is no single embodiment or 'named' creator, does not mean that the higher authority or power is not a part of the religion.
I realize COMPLETELY that you're relying on the so-called 'Western' definition from a Theology class standpoint - that is NOT the only definition, nor does 'Western' imply that 'all those in the west hold it' - it's merely the NOMENCLATURE, used to create two dichotomous definitions ('Eastern' v. 'Western') that are NOT the be-all/end-all of definition of religion. You know this, but choose the definition that best suits your argument, while ignoring the rest (the Fallacy of False Dilemma).
I invite you to use the 'inclusive' definition, instead, or even the 'Substantive' definition - I think by implying 'Western' is anything more than a phrase and not a comprehensive definition, you're mangling terminology.
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