IS RELIGION A BAD WORD?

[sparkman]

I can pretty well count on someone making the claim that "religion" is a bad word in my presence every few months.

Is it "religion" that is a bad word, or is it the meaning that particular individual pours into the word?

Personally I believe many Christians think it's "spiritual" and "cool" to correct others for using the word, accusing the person of a meaning that the speaker never intended for the word. And, they've heard sermons when "religion" is juxtaposed with "relationship", and are reacting to the labels a particular author or speaker has given to these terms.

And, these conversations where "religion" is demeaned are within the context of Christianity, so we are not talking about pagan religion.

"Religion", in their mind, I think, is associated with mindless rituals, or man's futile attempt to seek God himself, as opposed to God's gracious invitation to the person.

But, if one keeps in mind that it is God who seeks man, and not vice versa, and that mindless rituals cannot placate God, and that Christianity is a relationship and not a set of rules, is there anything wrong with the word "religion"?

In some of my reading today, the word "religion" has to do with a constant and diligent observance of all pertaining to the worship of God. Doesn't the Bible itself tell us that we should be careful to do certain things?

The word also involves the "fear of God" which means a feeling of reverential regard for God, tempered with awe, and the fear of disobedience or (occasionally) the punishment for disobedience (and I am talking about corrective punishment, not loss of salvation).

Anyways, is it really the word "religion" that is bad, or is it some flawed understanding or meaning that some of these people have? Do they just want to sound spiritual by talking down to someone who uses the word "religion" in their presence? I think that's a big part of the motivation personally. And, I think too many Christian speakers have used the word in a perjorative sense for some reason, to connote observance of mindless rituals or lists of rules without a relationship component.

To be honest, the individuals I've heard demean the word rarely define it enough for me to know what their understanding of the word "religion" implies. I doubt they could give me a coherent answer anyways..they're more concerned with sounding spiritual to their listeners

 

[notuptome]

Jas 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

James would seem to indicate that there is impure religion. So now we must figure out what kind of religion we are dealing with.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

 

[mailmandan]

The word Religion (Strong's #2356) (threskeia) means worship or religious service and can refer to a system of external observances as in (Acts 26:5). In simple terms, religion in this context refers to external actions and patterns of behavior. Christianity is best defined not as a religion but as a relationship with a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is possible to be "religious" but not right with God. Just look at the Pharisees. Religion apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ is in vain.

James 1:26 - If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless. This man's religion is vain, empty, devoid of power, lacking in content, nonproductive, dead and of no eternal value. James 1:27 - Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. There is absolutely nothing wrong with "pure and undefiled religion" but there is certainly something wrong with impure and defiled religion.

 

[FreeNChrist]

I can pretty well count on someone making the claim that "religion" is a bad word in my presence every few months.

Is it "religion" that is a bad word, or is it the meaning that particular individual pours into the word?

Personally I believe many Christians think it's "spiritual" and "cool" to correct others for using the word, accusing the person of a meaning that the speaker never intended for the word. And, they've heard sermons when "religion" is juxtaposed with "relationship", and are reacting to the labels a particular author or speaker has given to these terms.

God hates religion.

 

[Skinski7]

...or (occasionally) the punishment for disobedience (and I am talking about corrective punishment, not loss of salvation).

The notion that one can be in active disobedience to God and saved at the same time is a fallacy.

Salvation is not some abstract notion which cloaks disobedience to God. That kind of thinking is Satan's very first lie repackaged.

Salvation is inclusive of a regenerated heart in which one has died to sin and has been awakened to righteousness. To hold the idea that one can "sometimes" disobey God and be "saved" is evidence that one does not understand what salvation actually means.

Jesus taught...

Joh 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
Joh 8:35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
Joh 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

The word "committeth" is poieō in the Greek and it means "produce" or "bring forth."

For example...

Mat 3:8 Bring forth [poieō] therefore fruits meet for repentance:

Mat 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth [mē poieō] good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

It can also be rendered "make," "cause," "do," "did" etc. All in the context of something "produced" or "brought forth."

Jesus called the Pharisees slaves because they produced sin in their lives. Jesus came to set people free from sin that one may serve righteousness.

To be "set free indeed from serving sin" is analogous of salvation, not only because it is what Jesus plainly taught in John 8:31-47, but the Scriptures also states...

Mat 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Paul taught the same thing in stating...

Rom 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Rom 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Rom 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Any individual whom is still yielding themselves to sin is very plainly and evidentially not saved. Such an individual has not been set free.

There are many people in such a state whom will argue otherwise because they wish for a "salvation" which is inclusive of being able to serve Satan. Yet the Bible is very clear...

Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil.

1Jn 3:8 He that committeth [poieō] sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Let no one deceive you...

1Jn 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth [poieō] righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

He who abides in Jesus doesn't sin...

1Jn 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

Of course the use of the term "sin" here is in the context of purposeful wrongdoing, not falling short in ignorance due to a lack of knowledge and wisdom. God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to the Gospel.

Rom 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
Rom 2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
Rom 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
Rom 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another
Rom 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

God looks at the heart, the motive. Those whom are saved have pure motives for the heart has been purified by faith (Act 15:9) and faith works by love (Gal 5:6) and love works no ill (Rom 13:10).

 

[Magenta]

God desires those who worship Him in Spirit and in Truth Religious rituals and
observances dutifully performed are useless if a person's heart is far from God.

 

[Grace777x70]

There is a religion of Christianity in which we try to mimic the life of Christ by our own religious self-effort and there is Christ Himself in us which is also a worship service done by the life of Christ manifesting in our lives. I believe these are two different things.

The Pharisees that were law-keepers had a religion.

One is having the mind of Adam and eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil which is now the world system that is in place. Which means your own self-efforts and will-power we can be like God. The other is having the mind of Christ and eating from the tree of Life which is Christ Himself and His life is manifested in and through us as we bear His fruit.

Two different things being done. Both can be called "religion". I agree that it all depends on the context where the word is used and what this word actually means to the hearer as well. It means different things to different people.

 

[resurrection33]

I can pretty well count on someone making the claim that "religion" is a bad word in my presence every few months.

Is it "religion" that is a bad word, or is it the meaning that particular individual pours into the word?

Personally I believe many Christians think it's "spiritual" and "cool" to correct others for using the word, accusing the person of a meaning that the speaker never intended for the word. And, they've heard sermons when "religion" is juxtaposed with "relationship", and are reacting to the labels a particular author or speaker has given to these terms.

And, these conversations where "religion" is demeaned are within the context of Christianity, so we are not talking about pagan religion.

"Religion", in their mind, I think, is associated with mindless rituals, or man's futile attempt to seek God himself, as opposed to God's gracious invitation to the person.

But, if one keeps in mind that it is God who seeks man, and not vice versa, and that mindless rituals cannot placate God, and that Christianity is a relationship and not a set of rules, is there anything wrong with the word "religion"?

In some of my reading today, the word "religion" has to do with a constant and diligent observance of all pertaining to the worship of God. Doesn't the Bible itself tell us that we should be careful to do certain things?

The word also involves the "fear of God" which means a feeling of reverential regard for God, tempered with awe, and the fear of disobedience or (occasionally) the punishment for disobedience (and I am talking about corrective punishment, not loss of salvation).

Anyways, is it really the word "religion" that is bad, or is it some flawed understanding or meaning that some of these people have? Do they just want to sound spiritual by talking down to someone who uses the word "religion" in their presence? I think that's a big part of the motivation personally. And, I think too many Christian speakers have used the word in a perjorative sense for some reason, to connote observance of mindless rituals or lists of rules without a relationship component.

To be honest, the individuals I've heard demean the word rarely define it enough for me to know what their understanding of the word "religion" implies. I doubt they could give me a coherent answer anyways..they're more concerned with sounding spiritual to their listeners

I think religion takes on a bad connotation when one group tries to force it's will on another.

 

[Blain]

(Gasp) sparkman said religion i'm telling!:b

but in all seriousness religion is simply a word to describe a sect of believers that worship and follow a particular God however religion has become far less about worship and more about following a sect of rules. at one point the word religion may have had merit but it has been made to basically represent a sect of believers in a cage due to how mankind has made faith in any kind of God strict.

Out of all o the religions however Christianity is the only one that involve an actual relationship with their God, many religions claim love that is a main thing of any kind of religion but the reason i don't use religion when I speak of my faith is because religion is a sect of rules to follow and traditions to obey it's a set of doctrine that god forbid you should disagree you go to church you pray and worship you clean the outside of the cup yet on the inside of the cup it's empty and dirty.

This is because if one lacks an actual relationship with God and does not grow in getting to know him and becoming closer to him all we are doing is playing church we play the part but inside something is lacking. That is what religion is seen as today, you cannot clean the outside of a cup without also cleaning the inside after all you cannot put wine in a dirty cup

 

[wwjd_kilden]

Etymology of religion / religious will sometimes mention "to bind" , and to be honest that is what comes to mind for me when people speak of religion. It is a set of rules (and often also a set of judgements) determining what to do or not do.

The Pharisees were religious

 

[Willie-T]

If this

Jas 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

is what we are told "religion" is, then how did we get all the hundreds of supposedly "required" trapping, performances, and traditions into the mix?

 

[stonesoffire]

I used to say the apostles creed in my late husbands family church. And it thrilled me each time I said it.

Religious but my heart loved it.

 

[Marcelo]

I've heard many unbelievers say that religion is the doom of humanity. To some extent they are right because most "religious" people, around the world, are wrong in their belief. What can we do? First, avoid using the word "religion"; secondly, ask God to make us true disciples of Jesus Christ.

 

[sevenseas]

The notion that one can be in active disobedience to God and saved at the same time is a fallacy.

Salvation is not some abstract notion which cloaks disobedience to God. That kind of thinking is Satan's very first lie repackaged.

Salvation is inclusive of a regenerated heart in which one has died to sin and has been awakened to righteousness. To hold the idea that one can "sometimes" disobey God and be "saved" is evidence that one does not understand what salvation actually means.

Jesus taught...

Joh 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
Joh 8:35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
Joh 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

The word "committeth" is poieō in the Greek and it means "produce" or "bring forth."

For example...

Mat 3:8 Bring forth [poieō] therefore fruits meet for repentance:

Mat 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth [mē poieō] good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

It can also be rendered "make," "cause," "do," "did" etc. All in the context of something "produced" or "brought forth."

Jesus called the Pharisees slaves because they produced sin in their lives. Jesus came to set people free from sin that one may serve righteousness.

To be "set free indeed from serving sin" is analogous of salvation, not only because it is what Jesus plainly taught in John 8:31-47, but the Scriptures also states...

Mat 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Paul taught the same thing in stating...

Rom 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Rom 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Rom 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Any individual whom is still yielding themselves to sin is very plainly and evidentially not saved. Such an individual has not been set free.

There are many people in such a state whom will argue otherwise because they wish for a "salvation" which is inclusive of being able to serve Satan. Yet the Bible is very clear...

Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil.

1Jn 3:8 He that committeth [poieō] sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Let no one deceive you...

1Jn 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth [poieō] righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

He who abides in Jesus doesn't sin...

1Jn 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

Of course the use of the term "sin" here is in the context of purposeful wrongdoing, not falling short in ignorance due to a lack of knowledge and wisdom. God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to the Gospel.

Rom 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
Rom 2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
Rom 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
Rom 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another
Rom 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

God looks at the heart, the motive. Those whom are saved have pure motives for the heart has been purified by faith (Act 15:9) and faith works by love (Gal 5:6) and love works no ill (Rom 13:10).

do you realize that your first couple of sentences contradict what you close with in your post?

irregardless, you certainly can be saved and be disobedient.

Salvation is inclusive of a regenerated heart in which one has died to sin and has been awakened to righteousness. To hold the idea that one can "sometimes" disobey God and be "saved" is evidence that one does not understand what salvation actually means.

no. consider Paul who writes of the struggle between what he knows is right and yet does the wrong thing still.

I would consider those who insist Christians cannot sin to have a religious spirit. I mean that just how it sounds.

Sanctification is on ongoing process. It is not a one-off 'oh goody I will never sin again' experience

I just cannot believe how many people in this forum confuse salvation with sanctification.

We are saved and we are BEING saved. God keeps us. We do not keep ourselves anymore than we save ourselves.

 

[sevenseas]

Joh 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
Joh 8:35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
Joh 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

what was Jesus saying here?

Jesus is speaking of those who continue in sin, make a habit of sin and intend to keep on keeping on sinning

a Christian is not continuing or living in sin even though a Christian can sin.

I maintain that religious and false spirits will teach that Christians no longer sin. That's simply a lie of the devil who knows that is not true but sure enough hopes everyone else thinks it is.

 

[Depleted]

I can pretty well count on someone making the claim that "religion" is a bad word in my presence every few months.

Is it "religion" that is a bad word, or is it the meaning that particular individual pours into the word?

Personally I believe many Christians think it's "spiritual" and "cool" to correct others for using the word, accusing the person of a meaning that the speaker never intended for the word. And, they've heard sermons when "religion" is juxtaposed with "relationship", and are reacting to the labels a particular author or speaker has given to these terms.

And, these conversations where "religion" is demeaned are within the context of Christianity, so we are not talking about pagan religion.

"Religion", in their mind, I think, is associated with mindless rituals, or man's futile attempt to seek God himself, as opposed to God's gracious invitation to the person.

But, if one keeps in mind that it is God who seeks man, and not vice versa, and that mindless rituals cannot placate God, and that Christianity is a relationship and not a set of rules, is there anything wrong with the word "religion"?

In some of my reading today, the word "religion" has to do with a constant and diligent observance of all pertaining to the worship of God. Doesn't the Bible itself tell us that we should be careful to do certain things?

The word also involves the "fear of God" which means a feeling of reverential regard for God, tempered with awe, and the fear of disobedience or (occasionally) the punishment for disobedience (and I am talking about corrective punishment, not loss of salvation).

Anyways, is it really the word "religion" that is bad, or is it some flawed understanding or meaning that some of these people have? Do they just want to sound spiritual by talking down to someone who uses the word "religion" in their presence? I think that's a big part of the motivation personally. And, I think too many Christian speakers have used the word in a perjorative sense for some reason, to connote observance of mindless rituals or lists of rules without a relationship component.

To be honest, the individuals I've heard demean the word rarely define it enough for me to know what their understanding of the word "religion" implies. I doubt they could give me a coherent answer anyways..they're more concerned with sounding spiritual to their listeners

It can be. It might not be. I'm kind of negative on the word, but mostly because of it's negativity in precept.

I have a religion. I have a belief in God that is deep, and yet I'm not very religious.

By that I mean, you won't ever see me dipping my fingers in water and making the sign of the cross. You won't see me genuflecting at an altar. You won't see me doing the things an (American) football player does when I score a touchdown for the world to see. (You won't ever see me score a touchdown either, but I'm more talking about proving I'm something-something when something great happens. I don't do symbolism even when I think the car repair is going to cost $500, but it only cost $50. That kind of thing.)

You might see me scratch my butt in public (albeit only because I didn't think anyone was looking. lol) I might curse when a blister pops before I even know there is a blister there. (Surprising pain.) I won't make you feel guilty over not saying grace before eating. Basically I won't put on an act of piousness to prove I am a mighty woman of God.

Which to me, is exactly what "being religious" seems like when someone is calling someone else "religious." So, why I'm not keen on the word.

On the good side, I also don't like golf, but I won't fault you if you do. In like kind, I also won't fault you if you seem "religious," unless, and until, you assume I should be just like you. Or, if you think everyone has to put on the act, even when my butt itches.

 

[Locutus]

It's not a four letter word...

 

[Depleted]

It's not a four letter word...

...like diet or snow.

 

[DustyRhodes]

The notion that one can be in active disobedience to God and saved at the same time is a fallacy.

Salvation is not some abstract notion which cloaks disobedience to God. That kind of thinking is Satan's very first lie repackaged.

Salvation is inclusive of a regenerated heart in which one has died to sin and has been awakened to righteousness. To hold the idea that one can "sometimes" disobey God and be "saved" is evidence that one does not understand what salvation actually means.

Jesus taught...

Joh 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
Joh 8:35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
Joh 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

The word "committeth" is poieō in the Greek and it means "produce" or "bring forth."

For example...

Mat 3:8 Bring forth [poieō] therefore fruits meet for repentance:

Mat 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth [mē poieō] good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

It can also be rendered "make," "cause," "do," "did" etc. All in the context of something "produced" or "brought forth."

Jesus called the Pharisees slaves because they produced sin in their lives. Jesus came to set people free from sin that one may serve righteousness.

To be "set free indeed from serving sin" is analogous of salvation, not only because it is what Jesus plainly taught in John 8:31-47, but the Scriptures also states...

Mat 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Paul taught the same thing in stating...

Rom 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Rom 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Rom 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Any individual whom is still yielding themselves to sin is very plainly and evidentially not saved. Such an individual has not been set free.

There are many people in such a state whom will argue otherwise because they wish for a "salvation" which is inclusive of being able to serve Satan. Yet the Bible is very clear...

Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil.

1Jn 3:8 He that committeth [poieō] sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Let no one deceive you...

1Jn 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth [poieō] righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

He who abides in Jesus doesn't sin...

1Jn 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

Of course the use of the term "sin" here is in the context of purposeful wrongdoing, not falling short in ignorance due to a lack of knowledge and wisdom. God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to the Gospel.

Rom 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
Rom 2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
Rom 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
Rom 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another
Rom 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

God looks at the heart, the motive. Those whom are saved have pure motives for the heart has been purified by faith (Act 15:9) and faith works by love (Gal 5:6) and love works no ill (Rom 13:10).

God forgives all sin not only once but every time...we need to trust Him and His promise...He loved us from the start and He will love us forever...let's not forget Adam's sin...God did not kill Adam, He killed the serpent...the cross killed the serpent for all

 

[Johnny_B]

Colossians 2:21-23 "Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch”22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings?23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh."