What makes something religious is not its content but its fu... - Jonathan Z. Smith

"What makes something religious is not its content but its function in a community."

Jonathan Z. Smith Faith

Historian of Religion American 1938–2017

More from Jonathan Z. Smith

"Religion is not about believing things. It is about belonging to things."

"The real issue is not belief, but belonging."

"Comparison is a fundamental cognitive tool."

"There is no data that is absolutely sacred."

"Faith guides me through difficult times."

"Faith is believing when you can't see."

"You have to believe in something, or you'll fall for anything."

"Faith in God and in each other is what sustains us"