Reply #39: Contradicting your belief does not constitute a mistake on my part.

[darkstar3]

Whether the BOOK comes first or not, the progression of a religion is clear: Teachings* lead to followers, followers lead to a religion. A religion must be founded before religious observances can exist.

I think the problem of us talking around each other is actually the difference between "tradition" and "religious observance." That's a very tough distinction, JUST like the distinction between fiction and religion. I think it important to explore how and why we make both of these distinctions, and I look forward to hearing what you have to say on the subject.

*As in the teachings of Jesus, the teachings of the Buddha, or of the Dalai Lama, and so on.