As for the definition of religion, a religion is an attempt to explain the origin and/or purpose of the universe, or the lack thereof.

It isn't the most concise definition I've ever read. But I think it does cover the range of what we consider religion. Importantly, I think it also allows a range of things that could be religions to certain people. For example, the article asked whether Marxism might be considered a religion. I think it is a religion. But not to everybody who follows it. There's the theism/religion distinction to consider. You can believe in Marxism just as you can believe in a god. But neither of those beliefs is sufficient to make you religious. It isn't until your belief starts to guide your moods and motivations, to regulate your life, that you become religious. As such, I think religion is indeed a very, very broad category. The woman who spends all summer planning and preparing for the winter ski season is practicing a religion of skiing. I think we instinctively recognize this broad definition when we say people do things "religiously". There's a certain fervor to a religious behavior that doesn't manifest in a similar non-religious behavior. It is certainly possible to go skiing without being religious about it. It is even wise to plan ahead for the trip. But for some people such a trip, skiing or otherwise, takes on the import of a pilgrimage to Mecca. Another example would be the distinction between going to a ballgame or being one of the guys with the painted faces who show up three hours early to begin the sacramental pre-game feast and chanting.

My view is that religion is a universal human trait. It's just that we each have our own unique idea of what is sacred and how best to honor that sanctity.

And of course here Lewis is referring to Haldane's Marxism and his admiration for the Soviet Union

Yes, like Weinberg's statement

Religion is an insult to human dignity. With or without it you would have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things. But for good people to do evil things, that takes religion.

It is too restrictive, in Lewis' essay and Weinberg's aphorism one should really use the word "ideology".

Vast streams of cash flow from the taxpayer's pocket into Harvard's - as they do not flow to, say, the Vatican.

I'm not sure what the point of this quote is but the RCC obtains an enormous financial benefit from governments all around the world by way of tax exemptions. I don't know the various components of Harvard's income but it has an enormous endowment fund.

And of course here Lewis is referring to Haldane's Marxism and his admiration for the Soviet Union ( only partially repudiated in the 1950s)

Package for Mr Driffill

Nice, I tend to use the phrase "Enough straw to contain an infinite number of Edward Woodwards".

Excellent! MM!

Package for Mr Driffill

Wow, its like a game, "In a single post, trot out as many straw men as you can: ready, set, go!"

It is this kind of prejudice that 'Strange Notions' is trying to remedy.

Is it ? I thought it was trying to bring the true message of Catholicism to the great unwashed atheistic masses. At least that was the message on the blogs. I was in need of a good wash so I arrived promptly.

that our rulers are on the pinnacle of great human progress,

Not sure who you are talking to here. I don't recall ever suggesting anything like that. Not sure where Harvard comes into this ? We aren't all living in the US you know.

For this reason most exposed to the arguments reject abortion completely.

Strange then the general acceptance of abortion law or the desire for more liberal versions in so many countries

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Societal_attitudes_towards_abortion