Faith vs Religion

I know that most, if not all, of you reading this at the moment are athiests, so the difference probably won't mean a lot of you guys. Considering, however, that whenever people find out that I pray, they automatically assume that i'm religious, I would like to take this opportunity and differentiate the two.

Grant has already thoroughly explained the distinctions between religion and spirituality:

I feel the difference between religion and spirituality is the worship of a greater power (religion) compared to the fascination and/or euphoria induced by something we can't explain because we can't explain it.

So here, it is merely the worshipping that differentiates the two.

The difference between faith and religion is, I believe, just as simple. This difference would be whether or not you follow the institution of the religion. Both faith and religion require a BELIEF, but only religion requires one to follow rituals and to follow the rules of the institution.

Religion is, to me, a wonderful concept. Unfortunately, somewhere along the history of mankind, religion has become so corrupt that no one can be sure as to which rule, which regulation, is true. Can priests marry? Can Jews eat meat? Can buddhists grow hair?

Following these little regulations and believing what you believe is what makes you religious. Believing what you believe and genuinely meaning it is what makes you faithful, regardless of whether or not you follow those little regulations.

This has been written within a span of 3 hours while at work. I started at 11:36am and it is now 3:57pm. Considering I'm off shift at 4pm, I should stop typing now, although I can't remember if I had anything else to say on this matter. If I do, I'll have to say it later.