Is philosophy an alternative to religion?

[metis]

When I took an overview course in Philosophy in college, in addition to Metaphysics and other things, religion was also mentioned as a form in Philosophy. That said, I think people who don't want to follow a faith but still want some kind of guidance, Philosophy might fill that role.

Yes, and one can argue that religion is just a form of philosophy, in most cases believed to be from deities.

 

[raw_thought]

Religion is the reification * of philosophy.
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“ In my capacity as bishop of the church I shall continue to disseminate the fable of our religion; but in my private capacity I shall remain a philosopher to the end.”
Synesius Bishop of Alexandria.. 4th century

* http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reifying
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reification_(fallacy)
That last site does not transfer the last part ( _fallacy). Click on the site and then click on the first site which is, " reification_(fallacy) "

 

[Dr. Strange]

Oh no I never said philosophy would take over religion. I am just referring to philosophy being used by those who dislike religion, such as me. To be honest I do not even know what a religion is considering that they have no consistency.

Is not deferring to philosophy what Atheists do? Christianity is about philosophy. Thomism is the philosophy of the Catholic Church, it is Aristotelian philosophy. By comparison, Paul Tillich's Systematic Theology comes out of Platonic philosophy. Therefore, all of Christianity comes to us through philosophy.