2 : a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
4 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
I think that applies universally or very nearly so to human societies - which is amazing because very little is so universally human.
> many belief systems wouldn't fit what we call religion now
I see that as just a blind spot caused by our Judaeo-Christian heritage, not a fundamental issue.
You've got some interesting points though about how Christianity differs from pagan religions (actually I think it applies to Judaism and Islam as well.)
From Merriam-Webster: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/religion
2 : a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices 4 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
I think that applies universally or very nearly so to human societies - which is amazing because very little is so universally human.
> many belief systems wouldn't fit what we call religion now
I see that as just a blind spot caused by our Judaeo-Christian heritage, not a fundamental issue.
You've got some interesting points though about how Christianity differs from pagan religions (actually I think it applies to Judaism and Islam as well.)