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Defining religion: Mark Taylor (2007)
At a minimum, any adequate theory of religion must
1.Describe and/or explain the complex origin,
operational logic, and multiple functions of religion;
2.Clarify the dynamics of the emergence,
development, and transformation of different
religious networks;
3.Show how religions relate to and interact with each
other as well as the physical, biological, social,
political, and economic aspects of life; and
4.Include a « principle » of « internal » criticism that
leaves the theory open to endless revision.