Not because they don't count, but because they need to be treated separately, along with social beliefs like communism, fascism, and perhaps the Green movement and Darwinism.

Why do Buddhism, Shinto etc 'need to be treated separately'? 'Treated' by whom? Yourself? And why 'separately' - because you prefer them to, say, Islam?   

Where do democracy, capitalism and atheism fit into your scheme of things, Paul? Snuggled up all comfy cozy with fascism and Christianity? Or do they also merit 'separate treatment' because you, personally, like them better?

My point was that religion as a word has largely outlived its usefulness, because, being so protean, two participants in a discussion will almost certainly have completely different concepts of what the word entails.

WEll, ditto for the word 'love'. Better get rid of 'em both, quick!    ;]