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I’ve heard lot’s about religion. I’ve heard about organized religion, unorganized religion, disorganized religion. I’ve heard some people talk who are dead set against some religions. I’ve heard a few people say that any religion is bad. I just thought it might be good to clear the air a bit about religion, what the Bible says about it, and some sage advice about religion.

Many years ago when I was a relatively young man, I was speaking to an older family member of one of my friends. He and I had engaged in religious discussions before but this particular day was memorable because of what he said. Our discussion arose because he had been reading some of my newspaper articles and he did not agree with some of the conclusions I had reached. As we continued to talk, he said, “Sonny, your religion might be OK to live by, but it ain’t OK to die by!” I will comment on this statement at the close of today’s article.

A passage which treats the concept of religion in a constructive way is as follows: “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. 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.” (James 1.26-27; emphasis mine, jb). This text treats two types of religion; one of them is “useless” (vain, KJV), and the other type is “pure and undefiled before God.” James did not cast aspersions on religion in general like some are wont to do today; he merely condemned religion that was associated with a heart that was self deceived; this religion, says he, “…is useless.” Conversely, James stated that the second type of religion (sincere and from the heart) was something accepted in God's sight. Had it been the case that no religion was of any merit then this certainly would have been an appropriate time to make that point. However, James did not make the point, because it simply would not square with the rest of what he wrote.

It would be wrong to say that Jesus came to establish a religion; however it would NOT be wrong to say that He came to reveal the one and only religion which leads to the Throne of God and eventually to heaven as one's eternal home. That is specifically what He did when He established His Church, set up the terms of entrance into it, taught what the acceptable work and worship of His Body would be, and now reigns as King of that eternal Kingdom! To compare it to the religions of man is like comparing the perfect with the imperfect, the permanent with the temporary, the Divine with the earthy, and the totally functional with that which is broken and worthless.

Now, we turn our attention back to the comment which the gentleman made to me several years ago. Not only do I remember what he said, I also remember what I said in response. I still believe it was the proper response to the comment, “Sonny, your religion might be OK to live by, but it ain’t OK to die by!” I responded, “Any religion that is not OK to die by is not a religion worth living by.” The purpose of the one true religion of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ is to bring glory and honor to the name of God. Further, there is no honor to be garnered greater than bringing many sons to glory (see Hebrews 2.10).

The old adage, “Don't throw the baby out with the bath water,” is still as wise as it ever was. Just because there are some things wrong with religion doesn't mean that the whole concept of religion ought to be ditched; when one throws the one true religion out, he throws God out with it!

Questions:

1. Upon what authority would one say that all religion is wrong? What Bible principle teaches that?

2. In your opinion, why have many turned against organized religion?

3. Does the one true church of our Lord deserve respect? Do the churches of men deserve the same type of respect? Why or why not?

4. If your religion isn't worth dying by, is it worth living by? Why or why not?

"Bible verse and quote" from Jan Couns

Bible and Quote - February 3-7