Is Buddhism really a 'religion?'

After looking into the Buddhist religion further since discussing it in class on Monday, I personally find its teaching very interesting, and its core principles very intriguing. I think that at its core there are many logical points, and it surprises me how different it is to any religion I have learnt about in the past. As it is non theistic, it therefore doesn’t centralize its focus around a God like figure, and as a result my major thought is whether it should really be classed as a religion at all?? In the past, I have personally always considered that religion and God intertwine, and therefore, as the essentials of the religion is more about following doctrines, I think it should be considered more in terms of a following or set of values, than actually a religion. However, I would be interested to hear what others think about this, and whether people classify it in a different way after looking at the heart of its ideas?

The website http://www.buddhaweb.org/ details the essentials of Buddhism in very clear and basic terms, and it allow us to see the core principles that the faith focuses around. To me, the noble truths and Eightfold path that Buddhists follow seem more like philosophical principles than religious ones, and this is the reason why I am now questioning it in terms of a religion at all.

Below I have copied some of the essentials of the religion, but if you look at the website, there are also many other aspects that are listed which relate to its teachings towards enlightened thought.

The Four Noble Truths
1. Suffering exists
2. Suffering arises from attachment to desires
3. Suffering ceases when attachment to desire ceases
4. Freedom from suffering is possible by practicing the Eightfold Path

The Noble Eightfold Path that is said to allow Buddhists to overcome and conquer the noble Truths
Three Qualities Eightfold Path
Wisdom (panna) Right View
Right Thought
Morality (sila) Right Speech
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Meditation (samadhi) Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Contemplation


6 Factors that are said to be focused on in order for Enlightened thought to exist

1. Mindfulness
2. Investigation
3. Energy
4. Rapture
5. Tranquillity
6. Concentration

The Three Characteristics of Existence that Buddhists advocate

1. Transiency (anicca)
2. Sorrow (dukkha)
3. Selflessness (anatta)

Hindrances to achieving the Enlightenment

1. Sensuous lust
2. Aversion and ill will
3. Sloth and torpor
4. Restlessness and worry
5. Sceptical doubt