Clifford Geertz defines religion in an extremely simplified and secular manner. He basically states that religion is a group of symbols that are put together is such a manner that they appear to give powerful proof of an order of existance.
Although I feel this definition is a rather condisending veiw of a religion, I do agree for the most part with Geertz's definition. I most strongly agree with Geertz's assertion that religion clothes "these conceptions with such an aura of factuality that the moods and motivations seem uniquely realistic." This statement simply outlines the fact that religion exists as an institution to provide proof of the unprovable.
A religion must function under an "aura of factuality" or else the religion doesn't have anything to believe in. If christians didn't undenialby believe that christ live, and worship under the aura of factuality that he did live, they would not be christians. An aura of facuality in religion provides the basis for faith. Since faith is a foundamental part of religion, you don't have religion without faith. Thus I agree with Geertz's definition.
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