Even the etymology of "religion" is a theological debate — is it from "to re-read carefully" or "to bind"? The answer changes the whole concept.
A system of faith and worship, typically involving belief in a supernatural power or powers. Also the pursuit or interest followed with devotion.
From Old French religion, from Latin religio meaning 'respect for what is sacred, reverence for the gods, moral obligation.' The ultimate origin is debated: Cicero derived it from relegere ('to re-read, go over again carefully'), while Lactantius preferred religare ('to bind fast, tie back'). Key roots: religio (Latin: "reverence, conscientiousness, taboo"), *leǵ- (Proto-Indo-European: "to
The etymology of "religion" has itself been a religious debate. Cicero (1st century BCE) said it came from relegere — to carefully re-read or go over — implying that religion is about scrupulous observance. Four centuries later, the Christian writer Lactantius insisted it came from religare — to bind — arguing that religion is what binds humanity