So what exactly is Religion?

[Promethean]

18. To me religions and cults are not mutually exclusive.

They are also not automatically mutually inclusive. Cult carries more of a negative connotation though I think of it as a more isolationist form of religion.

Beyond that it is really hard to define religion. The features I associate with religion are not present in every religion. Supernatural belief, authority worship and dogmatic codes are 3 major features that are present most often. Some things that don't fit with traditional religion are so like religions that I consider them so. Like the various forms of leader worship seen around the world.

Things I do not consider religion are social groups that lack all or most of the most recognizable aspects of religion. Political parties/ideologies themselves are not religions for instance though some do try to cross that line. A chess club definitely isn't a religion though it is very possible to devote oneself to chess to an extreme level. Social or activist groups that come together around an idea are also not religions; environmentalist groups fit this category.