Are Confucianism and Buddhism religions? To answer this question we must first find the definition of the word religion. According to our textbook the word religion comes from the Latin word religio which means awe of the gods and concern for proper ritual (experiencing world religion 3). The definition of the word religion according to several dictionaries is the belief in one or more divine or superhuman powers to be obeyed and worshiped as the creator and ruler of the universe, or any specific system of belief, worship or conduct often involving a code of ethics and philosophy. My personal definition of the word religion is anything that helps people develop an understanding of themselves, provides comfort, helps people develop values ​​and morals, and something that can answer questions that would otherwise be unanswered. Our textbook also states that most religions follow eight elements, these elements are a belief system or worldview that is an interpretation of the universe and humans' place in it, a community or followers who believe and practice the religion, central myths or stories that express the religious beliefs of the religion, rituals or ceremonies that enact beliefs, ethics or rules and guidelines on human behavior, characteristic emotional experiences such as feelings of fear, guilt, devotion , rebirth, liberation and inner peace, material expressions such as statues, ritual objects, clothing and specific place, and the last of the eight is sacredness or a distinction between ordinary things and those considered sacred (experience of world religions 45). While these are some of the characteristics that help us define the word religion, they are not all necessary for something to be called religion. Our book also states that religion is also constantly evolving and is influenced by the values ​​of the culture in which the religion exists (Experiencing World Religion 11). After interpreting the results of my findings on the word religion, I have come to the conclusion that both Confucianism and Buddhism are religions. I have based my belief that Confucianism and Buddhism are both religions on the fact that they both have at least three of the eight characteristics that define what is considered a religion. The three characteristics I found in Confucianism and Buddhism are a belief system, ethics, material expression, and characteristic emotional experiences.