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Definition:
The term superstition comes from the Latin word superstitio, which means "to
stand over," but with a sense of menace or threat. In practice, it refers to any
irrational belief that something (often bad) will happen as a consequence of something
else, even though there is no physical or logical connection between the two.
Common superstitions include the idea that breaking a mirror will result in seven years of bad luck, or that carrying a four leaf clover will result in good luck. These beliefs are sometimes remnants of ancient religious beliefs which have survived long after the supporting theological structures have fallen away.
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What is the Philosophy of Religion?
Sometimes confused with theology, the Philosophy of Religion is the philosophical study of religious beliefs, religious doctrines, religious arguments and religious history. The line between theology and the philosophy of religion isn't always sharp, but the primary difference is that theology tends to be apologetical in nature, committed to the defense of particular religious positions, whereas Philosophy of Religion is committed to the investigation of religion itself, rather than the truth of any particular religion.
