A Conversation for Religion - a Perspective
Latin roots of Religion
wheezy_shoe Started conversation Jan 20, 2006
A slight correction to what you have stated: I have studied Latin, I have seen that the roots of the English word "Religion" actually comes from the Latin "Religio" which originally translated as your lot in life/the things which you are supposed to do. It only evolved into its current meaning after thousands of years of monotheistic religions warring (but not necessarilly in a militaristic way) against eachother; a broad period of time where the powers that be drew a distinction between such forces.
As another point, I would like to state that in no other part of the world is there a native word for "religion" until Christian influence in their areas forced the formation of a word. This is why, for example, one could be a follower of multiple religions in Japan, etc. Even today, most Japanese are Buddhist and Shinto.
Latin roots of Religion
Anne-UnityUK Posted Feb 1, 2006
So would a colloquial translation of 'religio' have meant 'my duty?'
Difficult to correct people without sounding stroppy isn't it? I haven't got the knack myself yet 
Key: Complain about this post
Latin roots of Religion
More Conversations for Religion - a Perspective
Write an Entry
"The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a wholly remarkable book. It has been compiled and recompiled many times and under many different editorships. It contains contributions from countless numbers of travellers and researchers."