Comment on Geertz definition of Religion

In my own words-

Religion is a belief system that inflicts a viral and stringent lifestyle on mankind by making it seem as though its outlook on existence could not be flawed and that it is the sole bearer of the truth.

After reading this and the original definition several times, I admit that they are harsh and blunt definitions of religion. However, I also must say that many religions have this aspect about them. Whether or not what they are preaching be true or not, they leave almost no room for interpretation without becoming another religion or sect as in the case of Catholicism and it's Protestant cousins. Also, very noticeable today is the Islamic influence that exists in Saudi Arabia and it's effect on women of the region. Women who do not adhere to Geertz's, "moods and motivations", that are expected to be possessed by all citizens of Saudi Arabia, are punished severely. In this case, the lifestyle is not unique to one household or city, but has spread, over time, to every part of the region; Geertz would call this the pervasive aspect of religion.

Personally, I am, for lack of a better term, an atheist. I was brought up Jewish and I still celebrate many Jewish holidays with my family, such as Passover which is coming up very soon. The point I wanted to bring up here was on Geertz's point of the belief that any religion has of it's validity. Whenever I have conversations with friends of mine I bring up points in reality that contradict what clearly is stated in the bible. Instead of admitting that the bible may be incorrect, what usually happens is a stretching of the bibles words to fit with my argument. For example, instead of admitting that scientific data proves that the world could not have been created in seven days, those seven days become indiscernible lengths of time, allowing for the bibles text to fit with scientific findings. 

I guess one of the main things that Geertz and I share is a frustration with the tendency of many religions to close their doors to any alternative ways of thinking about the world.