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That's a tough question because the term "religion" is itself tricky to define. If we're talking about belief systems involving gods or supernatural entities, then no, not all religions have gods or the supernatural. But if we define religion more broadly as any system of belief and practice concerning ultimate questions, then there are definitely examples that don't fit the traditional mold. Let's break it down: **Religions Without Gods:** * **Buddhism:** The original teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) are often described as non-theistic. The focus is on ending suffering through the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. While there are later traditions that incorporate deities and supernatural beings (especially in Mahayana Buddhism), the core is about practice and insight, not worshiping a creator god. * **Jainism:** An ancient Indian religion that emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa) and asceticism. Jains believe in a cyclical universe and the path to liberation (moksha) through right conduct, right knowledge, and right faith. They do not believe in a creator god. * **Certain forms of Taoism:** Philosophical Taoism (as opposed to religious Taoism) is more about living in harmony with the Tao (the Way), a natural force, rather than worshiping deities. * **Certain forms of Confucianism:** Primarily an ethical and philosophical system focused on social harmony, family loyalty, and ancestor reverence. It doesn't necessarily involve belief in a personal god. **Non-Theistic Systems Often Compared to Religions:** * **Atheism:** While atheism itself is just the lack of belief in gods, there are organized forms of atheism that function similarly to religions. For example, **Secular Humanism** is a lifestance that combines atheism or agnosticism with a commitment to ethical living, reason, and human compassion, without any supernatural elements. * **Secular Buddhism:** A modern interpretation that strips away the supernatural and metaphysical aspects of Buddhism, focusing entirely on the practical and psychological benefits of the teachings. * **Certain forms of Stoicism or Epicureanism:** Ancient philosophies that provided a framework for living a good life, often without reference to gods in the way traditional religions do. **The Challenge of Definition:** The problem is that "religion" is a contested term. Some definitions require a belief in supernatural beings, while others focus on rituals, community, moral codes, and answers to ultimate questions (like the meaning of life, death, and suffering). If we use a broader definition, then systems like Secular Humanism or Ethical Culture can be seen as non-theistic religions because they provide a comprehensive worldview and community, even without gods. **So, in short:** Yes, there are belief systems that are often classified as religions that do not have gods. Whether they are "true religions" depends on how you define "religion." It's a spectrum, not a binary. If you're interested in this topic, you might want to explore the concept of **"non-theistic religions"** or **"spiritual but not religious"** movements. They challenge the traditional equation of religion with theism.