Religion vs. Ideology — What's the Difference?

A specific set of fundamental beliefs and practices agreed upon by a group.

A doctrine, myth, or belief system governing an individual or group.

A system of beliefs and practices regarding the divine and the sacred.

A system of ideas and ideals that forms the basis for economic, political, or social theory.

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.

An integrated set of opinions or beliefs that influence actions.

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

A vision or way of thinking about the world, especially from a political perspective.

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

A set of beliefs or principles held by a group or individual.

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

An ideology (/ˌʌɪdɪˈɒlədʒi/) is a set of beliefs or philosophies attributed to a person or group of persons, especially as held for reasons that are not purely epistemic, in which "practical elements are as prominent as theoretical ones." Formerly applied primarily to economic, political, or religious theories and policies, in a tradition going back to Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, more recent use treats the term as mainly condemnatory.The term was coined by Antoine Destutt de Tracy, a French Enlightenment aristocrat and philosopher, who conceived it in 1796 as the "science of ideas" to develop a rational system of ideas to oppose the irrational impulses of the mob. In political science, the term is used in a descriptive sense to refer to political belief systems.

The life or condition of a person in a religious order

A set of doctrines or beliefs that are shared by the members of a social group or that form the basis of a political, economic, or other system.

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

Doctrine, philosophy, body of beliefs or principles belonging to an individual or group.

(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 study of the origin and nature of ideas.

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

The science of ideas.

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

A theory of the origin of ideas which derives them exclusively from sensation.

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

A set or system of theories and beliefs held by an individual or group, especially about sociopolitical goals and methods to attain them; in common usage, ideology is such a set of beliefs so strongly held by their adherents as to cause them to ignore evidence against such beliefs, and thus fall into error - in this sense it is viewed as a negative trait; contrasted to pragmatism, and distinct from idealism.

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

An orientation that characterizes the thinking of a group or nation

Faithfulness to a given principle; conscientiousness.

Imaginary or visionary theorization

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;

A pursuit or interest followed with great devotion.

An institution that expresses shared beliefs and conducts communal worship.

A moral code that guides an individual's life.

Yes, some ideologies can incorporate religious beliefs or principles.

No, not all religions revolve around a deity; some focus on spirituality, moral principles, or life philosophies.

Ideology stems from philosophical or political thought, while religion often originates from ancient scriptures or divine revelations.

Yes, a person can hold multiple ideologies, especially if they pertain to different aspects of life, like politics, economics, and social issues.

Religion focuses on faith, spirituality, and connection to the divine.

No, ideologies can be economic, social, cultural, or political in nature.

Religions spread through missionary work, cultural exchange, conquests, and familial or societal teachings.

Yes, ideologies can be based on shared beliefs or principles without formal documentation.

Yes, interpretations and practices within religions can evolve over time based on societal changes or new interpretations.

While many religions have organized structures, some individuals practice spirituality or hold beliefs outside of organized religion.

Religious institutions can shape moral values, cultural norms, and communal bonds within societies.

Atheism is typically considered a lack of belief in deities, making it neither a religion nor an ideology in the traditional sense.

Ideologies provide frameworks for political movements, guiding their objectives, methods, and goals.

Ideologies can influence laws, policies, cultural norms, and societal structures.

Yes, societies often have dominant ideologies that influence major aspects of life, though multiple ideologies can coexist.