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.

The Christian religion is unique in its relational structure and it is absolutely imperative that believers don’t follow the example of legalism and discipline without love demonstrated by the Pharisees and Sadducees. However, it is equally important not to claim that our religion isn’t a religion. Webster’s New World College Dictionary 3^rd Edition defines religion as 1) belief in a divine or superhuman power or powers to be obeyed or worshiped as the creator(s) and ruler(s) of the universe 2) any specific system of belief and worship, often involving a code of ethics and a philosophy. Strong’s Concordance G2356 defines the Greek word thrēskeia as follows: (underlying sense: reverence or worship of the gods), worship as expressed in ritual acts, religion (Acts 26:5, Col 2:18, Jas 1:26-27)

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.