[Gow616]

Originally Posted by floorpuncher

I don't understand how you can consider Satanism a religion.

To a Discordian a religion can be based around a can of peas. A structured belief system to me is a religion...like the religion of iPod, American Idol, etcetera. Maybe not religion in the other sense of the word that refers to Christian religions but it is a a religion. Even atheism in itself is a religion that has its object a belief in no deity.

From the OED (Oxford English Dictionary):
Religion, definition 6,

6. transf. {dag}a. Devotion to some principle; strict fidelity or faithfulness; conscientiousness; pious affection or attachment. Obs.

1592 SHAKES. Rom. & Jul. I. ii. 93 When the deuout religion of mine eye Maintaines such falshood, then turne teares to fire. 1600 {emem} A.Y.L. IV. i. 201 Ros... Keep your promise. Orl. With no lesse religion, then if thou wert indeed my Rosalind. 1630 B. JONSON New Inn I. i, Out of a religion to my charge, And debt profess'd, I have made a self-decree. 1640 HABINGTON Edw. IV 182 The ancient league observ'd with so much Religion betweene England and the Low Countries. 1691 WOOD Ath. Oxon. I. Pref., An old Word is retain'd by an Antiquary with as much Religion as a Relick.

b. In phr. to make (a) religion of or to make (it) religion to, to make a point of, to be scrupulously careful ({dag}not) to do something.

(a) 1599 B. JONSON Cynthia's Rev. V. ii, Let mortals learn To make religion of offending heaven. 1622 PEACHAM Compl. Gent. 44 Nor bee so foolish precise as a number are, who make it Religion to speake otherwise then this or that Author.