“Religion” is Not a Bad Word
Quite often over the last few years, I have heard people talk about how they don’t like the idea of “religion.” There will even be posts on social media (and I’ve heard it in sermons, too) about how we need “Jesus and not religion” or the how the Lord called people to “service and not religion.”
The problem with that sentiment is that, well, it is using one concept of the word “religion” to stand for what is the true meaning, and it is a beautiful meaning.
While the etymology–especially the origin–of the word “religion” is somewhat disputed, it seems that the beginning of the word had to do with orienting one’s life toward God or with living a life that would cause one to go to God. Now, it is true that, not long thereafter, the word was more often used by and of monks to refer to a more strict lifestyle or a rigorous standard of living. Even then, though, the reason behind the word was to do what they thought was right to orient one’s life toward God.
But set that aside. When we use the word “religion” in a negative way, and especially when we set it at odds with serving the Lord, we are showing that we have not really thought about how translators of the Bible employed that very word.
In the King James Version of the Bible, the English word “religion” is found 5 times. Three of those times, it is in reference to the Jewish way of doing things a “religion.” But the other two, clearly written to Christians, are very telling.
Both are found in one section of the book of James, which is often described as the handbook of Christianity. It is a very practical book, and most people love it for how it talks about everyday issues. So, does this very practical book tell us to avoid using the word “religion” because it is a strict word and it doesn’t represent Christianity?
Nope. Instead, James tells us that, one, if we don’t bridle our tongue our religion is in vain (1:26) and, two, visiting widows and orphans and keeping oneself unspotted from the world is pure and undefiled religion (1:27). Notice that both of those are the very types of things that most people who don’t like the word “religion” tell us are the types of things we should be doing.
In other words, those who say they don’t like “religion” are, whether they know it or not, telling others how to be “religious.”
“Religion” is not a bad word. It is what God requires of His people. Let’s be religious!
AUTHOR: Adam Faughn