Support for a sports team could be considered a religion according to a functionalist definition of religion, but not according to a substantive definition.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A functionalist definition of religion focuses on the social or psychological functions that practices or beliefs serve, such as creating a sense of community or providing meaning, which support for a sports team can fulfill. A substantive definition, however, focuses on specific content, such as belief in a deity or the supernatural, which support for a sports team does not include.

Support for a Sports Team Could Be Considered a Religion