The definition as surmissed by sociology, as soft science, has religion as a more concrete social/cultural structure. Which means the side of personal beleifs is not included because that is considered biased, and that skews scientific definitions and results. But on the personal side a persons beliefs could very well be seen as a religion. Even if a "religion" isn't followed. I suspect religion would be defined differently in psychology as well!

Perhaps trying to view anothers veiwpoint from both sides would help. The personal is as relevent as the sociological, and visa versa!!

I hadn't thought of that. Perhaps a better statement is it depends on believeing in God (yehweh, allah, etc). A christian believes in Jesus as the Christ, the son of God, but a traditional Jew would not would they!

Perhaps you have a different view of what dogma is. I know I've said it elsewhere, but dogma as I was always taught is religious rules that are NOT bible based. Jesus said that he came to save people and take away their sins. Therefore it would be considered doctrine. If there is another view of dogma, I'd be interested to hear it! (Curious as always! :D)