Religion

What is Religion?

The word "Religion" has fallen into disrepute among Christians and we tend to speak as if Religion and Christianity are somehow opposed. This is not really true. The Bible refers to Religion in a positive way. James 1:27 speaks of "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless". What Christians really mean when they speak slightingly of Religion is the man-made structures and rituals that detract from our relationship with God and which often seem to supercede the Scriptures. People who claim to be "religious" are often those who rely on Church-going and "Good-Living" to secure their place with God.

Religion, however, is not necessarily that at all. Louis Berkhof describes religion in this way,

"The Old Testament defines religion as the fear of the Lord. This fear is not a feeling of dread, but of reverent regard for God akin to awe, but coupled with love and confidence. It is the response of the Old Testament believers to the revelation of the law. In the New Testament religion is a response to the gospel rather than the law, and assumes the form of faith and godliness."
( A Summary of Christian Doctrine , Published by the Banner of Truth Trust.)

We should not, therefore, be afraid of the word religion understood rightly. Religion, for the Christian, is a relationship with the Triune God, recognising both the awesome majesty of God and mankind's own helplessness before God on the one hand and God's wonderful love, mercy and grace which enables the Christian to stand in God's presence despite his own unworthiness.

Where does Religion Come From

Some people have suggested in the past that religion was a human invention - an immense con-trick. However, such a suggestion has been discredited. It just does not hold water. Others suggest that religion started off with simple tribal superstitions and gradually "evolved" into the major religions as we have them now. Any explanation, however, that does not take into account a revelation from God Himself fails for all other explanations "start out with a man who is already religious". (Berkhof: ibid) The only explanation for religion that makes sense is that God exists and that man naturally yearns after God. But man cannot find God on his own. It is necessary for God to reveal himself to man. This he has done partially through nature but fully through the incarnation of Jesus, his Son and the Bible which is His revealed record of His dealings with men.

How does Religion Affect Us?

Religion affects our intellects for it involves knowledge - knowledge of God, of his word, of his laws and of how he desires us to worship him.
It affects our emotions for a true religion will lead us to love him and to desire him, which in turn leads us to love our fellow Christians and then all those for whom Christ died.
It affects our will for it challenges our moral activity and demands that we resist temptation to sin. It re-arranges our concept of right and wrong and demands justice and righteousness. Most of all, however, it affects the heart - for this is the centre of our life. Our minds, emotions and wills are all controlled from the heart and religion involves the entire person - not just a part.