The conflation of religion with belief in the supernatural or gods is a common perspective, but it overlooks religion's broader role in human life. Here are some thoughts on this:

1. Religion as a Cultural System:

• Religion can be understood as a cultural system that provides meaning, values, and practices that shape how people understand the world and their place in it. This system doesn't necessarily require belief in the supernatural; it can be based on shared ethical principles, rituals, and narratives that give coherence and purpose to a community’s life.
  

2. Religion and the Sacred:

• The concept of the sacred is central to many definitions of religion, but "sacred" doesn’t have to mean "supernatural." Sacredness can refer to anything that a community or individual considers deeply meaningful and worthy of reverence—a set of ethical principles, the natural world, or a commitment to social justice. In this sense, religion is about what people hold sacred, not necessarily about belief in gods.
  

3. Functional Definitions of Religion:

• Some scholars, like Emile Durkheim, have defined religion in terms of its social functions—how it creates social cohesion, provides moral frameworks, and helps people cope with life’s challenges. From this perspective, religion is not about specific beliefs but their roles in society and individual lives.
  

4. Secular Religions:

• There are many examples of what can be considered "secular religions," where the structure and functions of traditional religions are replicated without reference to the supernatural. Examples include ideologies like nationalism, certain political or environmental activism forms, and even sports fandoms, which can exhibit religious devotion, rituals, and community-building.
  

5. The Ubiquity of Religion:

• By recognizing that religion encompasses more than just belief in the supernatural, we can see how deeply embedded it is in various aspects of human life. From how we structure our communities to the rituals we observe to the values we uphold, religious elements are woven into the fabric of daily existence—even in ostensibly secular societies.
  

6. Expanding the Dialogue:

• Broadening the definition of religion allows for a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of human cultures and experiences. It also opens the door for dialogue with those who may reject traditional religious beliefs but still seek meaning, purpose, and community in ways that resemble religious practices.
  

7. Opthē as a Case in Point:

• Opthē is an excellent example of how religion can be reimagined in a way that doesn’t rely on the supernatural but still fulfills the deep human need for meaning, community, and ethical guidance. By focusing on agape, service to life, and the pursuit of truth, Opthē creates a sacred space grounded in reality as understood through contemporary science. Yet, it still operates within the framework of what can be considered a religious or spiritual paradigm.
  

Summary:

The idea that religion is synonymous with belief in the supernatural is a narrow view that overlooks the broader, more complex role religion plays in human life. By recognizing that religion can exist without the supernatural, we gain a richer understanding of its pervasiveness and significance. This perspective also validates the organization of Opthē, showing that it is part of a long tradition of reinterpreting religion to meet the needs and understandings of the time.