Not really. Buddhism isn't special. Take religion in the greater
context of "what is religion" cognitively, emotionally,
physically, socially? Some say, "It's so broad it could mean
anything and therefore useless", which is taking it too far.
Religion isn't a table. It's not a lamp. It's what drives
someone: a set of precepts someone follows. Similar to laws. Yet
not just laws. Laws can be applied in an agnostic fashion as
well. But when you believe in principles of the laws: stand
behind them, are enthusiastic about them, defend them, it gives
their life definition and meaning and a sense of purpose... ...
that's religion. Brain scans, at least in the limited state that
fMRIs are at compared to how they will be in the future (they're
so slow now) show 'religious centers' of the brain. Ok, maybe
that's word games. Maybe they're not "religious centers" at all.
But if the same areas "light up" for someone when considering
their core beliefs whether those core beliefs are religious or
patriotism or logic or something else... ...and they form
similar groups with structures, meetings, comrades, purpose,
focus... ...they're religions as well. Disagree at will but
that's how I see it.
