What is Religion?

Religion: a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices (merriam-webster.com)

Religion: a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects (dictionary.com)

Today, the word “religion” has taken on some negative connotations for many people. It commonly simply meant a set of beliefs or practices pertaining to God or spiritual things, but now it seems to have the stigma of all the heinous crimes and hypocrisies committed (and being committed) by those pretending to be religious or believers in God.

In all languages words evolve in meaning and their usage. Sometimes, as in this case, perfectly good words are used to blaspheme God and His people, or the words simply change in meaning to where they no longer accurately describe what is true according to God’s word.

It’s not a bad word. Paul told the men of Athens that he saw that they were “very religious” (Ac 17:22). James warns that it is self-deception to think of yourself as “religious” but not control your tongue (Ja 1:26). Some of the original Greek words mean reverence for deity or what is divine, while others mean paying attention to divine service. Christians want to be reverent and serve God, so the word “religious” as used in the New Testament should describe them.

Misuse and hypocrisy. When those claiming to be servants of God are hypocritical and sinful it causes others to blaspheme God and His true people (ex: David’s sin – 2 Sa 12:14; Jewish hypocrisy – Ro 2:24). There are many today who claim to be “religious” but are openly ungodly, unloving, and sinful. They have given “religion” a bad name. God, God’s people, and even the word “religion” are being blasphemed because of them. When people say they are rejecting “religion” what is really happening is that they are rejecting false religion, and leaders and organizations who have perverted the truth.

What can we do? First, we need to set examples of righteousness, love for God, and love for others in our lives and in the church. Second, we need to repent (not excuse) when we sin. And third, maybe we can use words like “faith,” “belief,” “devotion,” etc., instead of “religion” with those who are turned off by it – but our correct usage and consistent lives can help restore the word “religion” as a word of love and devotion.  dd