Is "Religion" a Bad Word?

You may have heard some say that Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationship. And yet, James uses this word in a good light. He says that there is something called “pure religion,” teaching us that “religion” is good.

So, what is “pure religion?” The Greek word used in James 1:26-27 (used twice) is the word threskos and is only used two other times in the New Testament (Acts 26:5, Colossians 2:18). It describes devotion, piety, worship. It outlines the daily practice and routine of a group.

Religion can become a substitute for a personal relationship with God, just like marriage can become a substitute for a loving relationship between a husband and wife. When that happens, religion is a barrier to a relationship. But a growing relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ will be religious; pure religion.

These two, religion and relationship, are two that God has joined together. When separated, you have big trouble on your hands. Without a personal relationship, religion becomes empty and leads to idolatry (worshipping worship; a serious trend in the American church today). And without religion, relationship becomes blasphemy (in a personal relationship with God, how could you not worship!).

Personal faith in Jesus Christ has devotion, piety, and worship. There are daily practices and routines that express a personal faith and become acts of worship.

Religion is a good word; pure religion!