Definitions: Religion
In recent years, I’ve noticed a rally against the word
“religion” by many Christians. I’ve heard the statement, “It’s a relationship,
not a religion” in reference to the Christian faith on numerous occasions from
various denominational affiliations.
I understand what my brothers and sisters mean when they
make this declaration. They are referring to what Jesus called “the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees” in Matthew 16:6-12 and what Paul called “self-made
religion” (ethelothrēskia) in Colossians 2:23. The Pharisees and Sadducees
added extreme and unnecessary addenda to the Jewish law and made communing
with God difficult for the people. They allowed for the defilement of the
temple (John 2:13-16) and placed unnecessary requirements on the Jews while
glorifying themselves (Matthew 23:1-36). The Colossians were being told that they needed to employ practices of self-denial (asceticism) and other observances in order to be free. The problem with the “relationship not religion” statement is that it neglects to make the distinction between salvation and practice. Truly, religion does not save, but those who are saved practice the religion modeled by the Savior.

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his
tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion
that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and
widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1:26-27 ESV
James informs us that a person’s religion can be
“worthless” or it can be “pure and undefiled before God.” To indicate that
Christianity is not a religion is erroneous. Christians express worship through ritual acts (baptism, communion, corporate gatherings). As believers are doers of the word
and not hearers only (James 1:22), they will be sure to have a religion that is
in alignment with Christ and cannot be mistaken for legalism or sanctimony.
See Matthew Henry’s Commentary on James 1:26-27 for
additional study.
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