Mythology vs. Religion — What's the Difference?

A body of myths associated with a particular subject or person.

An organized collection of beliefs, cultural systems, and world views that relate humanity to an order of existence.

A set of stories, traditions, or beliefs associated with a particular group or the history of an event.

The service and worship of God or the supernatural.

A widely held but false belief or idea.

A particular system of faith and worship.

A collection of myths or traditional stories of a particular culture or society.

A pursuit or interest followed with great devotion.

The study of myths.

Religion is a social-cultural system of designated behaviors and practices, morals, beliefs, worldviews, texts, sanctified places, prophecies, ethics, or organizations, that relates humanity to supernatural, transcendental, and spiritual elements; however, there is no scholarly consensus over what precisely constitutes a religion.Different religions may or may not contain various elements ranging from the divine, sacred things, faith, a supernatural being or supernatural beings or "some sort of ultimacy and transcendence that will provide norms and power for the rest of life". Religious practices may include rituals, sermons, commemoration or veneration (of deities and/or saints), sacrifices, festivals, feasts, trances, initiations, funerary services, matrimonial services, meditation, prayer, music, art, dance, public service, or other aspects of human culture.

A body or collection of myths belonging to a people and addressing their origin, history, deities, ancestors, and heroes.

The belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers, regarded as creating and governing the universe

A body of myths associated with an event, individual, or institution

A particular variety of such belief, especially when organized into a system of doctrine and practice

The field of scholarship dealing with the systematic collection and study of myths.

A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.

The collection of myths of a people, concerning the origin of the people, history, deities, ancestors and heroes.

The life or condition of a person in a religious order

A similar body of myths concerning an event, person or institution.

A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion

Pervasive elements of a fictional universe that resemble a mythological universe.

(uncountable) Belief in a spiritual or metaphysical reality (often including at least one deity), accompanied by practices or rituals pertaining to the belief.

(uncountable) The systematic collection and study of myths.

(countable) A particular system of such belief, and the rituals and practices proper to it.

The science which treats of myths; a treatise on myths.

(uncountable) The way of life committed to by monks and nuns.

A body of myths; esp., the collective myths which describe the gods of a heathen people; as, the mythology of the Greeks.

Rituals and actions associated with religious beliefs, but considered apart from them.

Myths collectively; the body of stories associated with a culture or institution or person

(countable) Any practice to which someone or some group is seriously devoted.

The study of myths

Faithfulness to a given principle; conscientiousness.

Engage in religious practice.

Indoctrinate into a specific religion.

To make sacred or symbolic; sanctify.

The outward act or form by which men indicate their recognition of the existence of a god or of gods having power over their destiny, to whom obedience, service, and honor are due; the feeling or expression of human love, fear, or awe of some superhuman and overruling power, whether by profession of belief, by observance of rites and ceremonies, or by the conduct of life; a system of faith and worship; a manifestation of piety; as, ethical religions; monotheistic religions; natural religion; revealed religion; the religion of the Jews; the religion of idol worshipers.

Specifically, conformity in faith and life to the precepts inculcated in the Bible, respecting the conduct of life and duty toward God and man; the Christian faith and practice.

A monastic or religious order subject to a regulated mode of life; the religious state; as, to enter religion.

Strictness of fidelity in conforming to any practice, as if it were an enjoined rule of conduct.

A strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny;

Institution to express belief in a divine power;

The belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods.

Yes, mythology can form part of the broader narrative and symbolic framework within a religion, conveying moral lessons and cultural values.

While many religions are organized and have institutional structures, some forms of spirituality and belief systems may lack such organization.

Religion typically involves a structured system of beliefs, values, rituals, and worship, often centered around a higher power or powers.

Mythology is generally not considered factual but is symbolic, representing truths, values, and beliefs of a culture or society.

While often associated with ancient cultures, mythology can exist in any society, reflecting its beliefs, values, and traditions.

Mythology mainly focuses on a collection of myths or stories, often explaining natural phenomena, traditions, and values.

A set of moral and ethical values alone may not constitute a religion; typically, religion also involves elements of worship, rituals, and often a belief in the divine or supernatural.

Mythology is often transmitted orally, through written texts, or through cultural practices and rituals.

Yes, myths can evolve, reflecting changes in cultural values, beliefs, and societal norms.

Religions are not universally accepted truths; they are belief systems that vary widely among different cultures and individuals.

Religion is often organized and institutional, involving specific doctrines and rituals, while spirituality may be more personal, individualized, and not confined to any specific doctrines or practices.

While anyone can create stories or myths, a mythology typically involves a collection of myths that have cultural significance and are shared within a community.

Not every religion posits the existence of a deity or god; some are non-theistic and focus on ethical, philosophical, or spiritual understandings of the world.

Yes, some religions may not have a rich tapestry of myths but may focus more on doctrines, ethics, and rituals.

While myths are not factual accounts, they may contain elements of truth or reflect real events, people, or places, often embellished or symbolized over time.