Redeeming Religion

The word religion is a very interesting word that should be used with extreme caution. When it is invoked many different definitions, feelings, ideologies, etc. surface. As Christian and a minister I have seen this word become almost profanity in many Christian circles. Religion it seems has become synonymous with legalism. Religion is cold, bitter, self-seeking, arrogant, demeaning to others. At least, that is how it is portrayed by many. I must confess sometimes I have even used the word religion in this manner. Religion however, is not synonymous with legalism. Legalism, in a nutshell, is believing that if one abides by the rules then one is right with God. It even goes farther in that in order for one to be right with God one must follow an individuals rules. Legalism is displayed in all groups within Christendom. This is not what religion is. The most basic definition for religion that I can give is, it is man's attempt to reach God. Now we know that man cannot reach God by ourselves, therefore religion itself cannot attain its desire and can very quickly become legalism. The idea of man attempting to reach God is really an awesome point to start from. Paul springboards off of this idea at Mars Hill and reveals to pagan Greeks the unknown God they had built an altar to. He told them that they are worshiping someone they don't know and instead of condemning their empty religion, he reveals Jesus Christ. Religion can be great place to start from for many people. Man reaching out for God has its merit. Jesus himself promises that if you seek you will find, if you knock it will be opened, and if you ask you will receive. Understanding that religion cannot save is vital. Being a moral and a good person (in our own estimation) does not give us access to God and eternal life. It is in a way a Tower of Babel and we cannot approach God in our righteousness and estimation of self. The tower must crumble. While religion can be that springboard to truth, it isn't truth. We must use the gate that has been provided. Jesus says "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No comes to Father but through me." We dare not change the method one enters into heaven, but should not destroy a tool God can use to bring them to the way. Religion within Christianity is not altogether malignant either. James says that true religion or true faith is taking care of widows and orphans. Boiling it down, true religion is action. So again the definition changes. Religion and faith become synonymous in James' epistle. True faith is more than joining a church, getting baptized, going to an altar and reciting a prayer. These can and should be a part of the faith, but coupling faith and action is true faith or true religion. We do a disservice to the Kingdom of God when we make blanket statements about religion. It is important we put it in context. We must not use this word as a synonym for legalism. To those outside the faith it can be a powerful tool to bring them into the right gate. Someone searching for truth, meaning, reality, for purpose and who is reaching out into the unknown can be reached if we don't demean the efforts they have already put forth. Religion and faith according to James are necessary to please God. It is time that we as the body of Christ redeem this word. At the very least it is far more than legalism. Religion pointed in the proper and right direction is actually pleasing to God. When it is only used in a negative way we miss out on the beauty of another far more important meaning, that is, reaching out and following Jesus Christ.