Definition

1. Noun:
   • A strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny: A conviction or acceptance that a divine or spiritual force exists and influences the course of human life and events.

Usage

• This term refers to the specific convictions or doctrines held by an individual or group concerning the divine, sacred, or ultimate reality. It is the cognitive aspect of religion, encompassing faith in specific tenets.
• It is often used in academic, comparative, or sociological discussions about faith systems.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Her religious belief in karma guides her daily actions.
  • The survey asked participants to describe their core religious belief.
  • Freedom of religious belief is protected by the constitution.

Advanced Usage

• "To hold a religious belief": To possess or adhere to a specific conviction about the supernatural.
  • They hold a religious belief in an afterlife.
• "Matters of religious belief": Issues or questions pertaining to faith and doctrine.
  • The debate touched on deep matters of religious belief.

Variants and Related Words

• Belief (n): An acceptance that something exists or is true, especially one without proof. (A broader term that includes but is not limited to religious contexts).
• Faith (n): Complete trust or confidence in someone or something; often used synonymously with religious belief but can imply a stronger element of trust.
• Doctrine (n): A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a religious group.
• Theism (n): Belief in the existence of a god or gods.

Synonyms

• Faith: Trust and confidence in a religious doctrine.
• Creed: A formal statement of religious beliefs.
• Conviction: A firmly held belief or opinion.

Antonyms

• Atheism: Disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of God or gods.
• Skepticism: A doubting or questioning attitude, especially regarding religious doctrines.
• Agnosticism: The view that the existence of God or the supernatural is unknown or unknowable.

Related Phrases

• System of belief: An organized collection of related beliefs.
  • Buddhism is a complex system of belief.
• Article of faith: A core belief that is essential to a religious system.
  • The resurrection is a central article of faith in Christianity.

Noun

1. a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny
   • he lost his faith but not his morality