Due to the recent (last 100 years, perhaps) backlash against religion in general, a lot of interesting philosophical ideas get ignored or rejected just because they are explained in terms of religious beliefs. In my mind a religion is a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of your existence that helps you define your way of life. We all have our beliefs and we make that a part of the life we lead. As the beliefs get shared and adopted by more and more people, then that religion starts becoming popular and slowly gets formalized into rituals and commandments. However, unless it appeals to your rational intellect in some way or form (faith / fear / logical reasoning / scientific reasoning, etc.), you will struggle to make it a part of your life.