Religion

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拉丁语动词religare,由前缀re-(回)和ligare(捆,约束)复合而成,原始意义是“义务、契约”,后演变为“人类和神之间的联系”,经由古法语religion传入英语成为现在的意义。

The etymology of the word "religion" is a subject of debate among scholars, as its origins are not entirely clear and have been traced to multiple Latin terms. Here's an overview:

1. Relegere: One of the popular theories is that "religion" is derived from the Latin verb "relegere," which means "to read over again" or "to go over again in reading, speech, or thought." The idea here is that religious rituals often involve repeated activities or readings.
2. Religare: Another theory posits that "religion" comes from another Latin verb, "religare," which means "to bind" or "to connect." This interpretation resonates with the notion of religion as a bond between humans and the divine, or as a binding set of beliefs and practices that connect a community of believers.
3. Re- + lego: Yet another interpretation suggests the combination of "re-" (an intensive prefix) with "lego" (meaning "to choose" or "select," as in "to pick out" or "to gather"). This interpretation might emphasize the chosen or particular practices and beliefs of religious individuals.
4. Res + lego: Some sources suggest a combination of "res" (thing) and "lego" (to gather or to choose), suggesting a gathering or recognition of things or signs.

It's worth noting that while these Latin roots offer some insight into the possible origins and meanings of the term "religion," the modern understanding and use of the term have evolved considerably and encompass a wide array of beliefs, practices, and institutions.

The ambiguity of its etymology is reflective of the complexity and diversity of religion as a concept and institution. Over time and across cultures, the term "religion" has been used to describe an incredibly vast and varied set of beliefs, rituals, moral codes, and communal identities.

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