Religion vs Ideology
Religion and Ideology are two terms that are likely to be confused due to the closeness in their meanings and concepts. Religion consists in the belief in a superhuman controlling power especially in a personal God or gods entitled to worship ( Defined by The Concise Oxford Dictionary). In other words religion is the branch of knowledge that deals with the methodology of worship and the praise of God.
On the other hand ideology deals with the system of ideas at the basis of an economic or political theory. For example the Marxist ideology deals with the system of ideas at the basis of political theory. In other words it may be said that ideology has the basis in either economics or politics. This is the main difference between religion and ideology.
Religion deals with customs and manners of a particular community in terms of belief in superhuman powers. On the other hand ideology does not deal with customs and manners of a social group in terms of superhuman powers or divinity. It is more political in nature and principles.
Religion has nothing to do with politics whereas Ideology has a lot to do with politics. This is also an important difference between religion and ideology. Religion has basic texts to follow whereas ideology has basic concepts and principles to follow.
Religion often develops from founders and religious heads. On the other hand ideology proceeds from political leaders and economic thinkers. Religion is based on beliefs and faiths. On the other hand ideology is based on truths and proofs. Religion does not need proofs to establish the religious truths. It dwells more on logical conclusions. There is no room for logical conclusions in ideology. These are the important differences between religion and ideology.