It's very easy for one to dismiss religion when you redefine it to remove everything that makes it what it is. I suppose another difference is that philosophy tries to be rational, whereas religion is irrational. Philosophy is a scientific attempt, religion is an emotional experience.
Some philosophy comes in the form of parables, or narratives. And sometimes there are historic events that can educate people philosophically, like the Holocaust, perhaps the Trojan War, etc. I apologize for not having the answer as to why religion is different, and of course you all will simply dismiss me for it, but why? Will you feel better because you've "won" this argument? What are you getting out of arguing against religion? Has it tied you down, somehow? Why argue against me for liking religion and not philosophy, where as you are just as duplicitous? I simply know the difference, and perhaps that's not rational but why does it have to be?