How should one define religion?

To continue with the ramblings on religion....

To precis the entry on religion in Anthony Giddens' text book, "Sociology",

Religion is
NOT (just)
1) Monotheism
2) Moral prescriptions
3) Explaining how the world came to be as it is
4) Belief in the supernatural

because there are religions that do not include any of these things.

Religion IS

- Symbols
- Reverence and Awe
- Rituals
- Community of Believers

Don't know how much I agree with any of this but it makes more sense than other sources.

By this definition, supporting a football team perhaps qualifies as a religion.

But being a fan of a particular team is not a "way of life" or a matter of "ultimate concern" - two other definitions of religion. Or is it?

I would add that maybe religion can include

- Dogma
- Hierarchy
- Leader figures or founder figures - sometimes charismatic and idolised/worshiped.....

Maybe also

- Exclusivity
- Persecution of dissenters from dogma
- .....

I am not convinced that humans are "religious animals" by nature - as some contend - however one defines religion.