What -- EXACTLY -- Is "Religion" ???
We have all lived in an environment where "Religion" has been a basic part of our vocabulary and our daily vernacular. Have we stopped to think deeply about it's meaning? It's connotations and denotations? It's derivative roots? Let's do so, shall we?
Our English word "religion" most immediately derives from the Latin word "religio." This Latin root word means, literally, "re-connecting." Thus, it follows, if a "re-connecting" is somehow involved -- somehow necessary or appropriate -- there HAD to be a prior "dis-connecting"!
Who or what are we talking about being disconnected/reconnected? The human family.
Disconnected from whom/what? Our Creator.
The "dis-connecting" occurred in the Garden of Eden. Adam, Eve, and Satan the Devil ... "pulled the plug" on us, the human offspring of our two original human parents. Can we "plug ourselves back in"??? No.
"Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men." (Romans 5:12.) "Death" -- "Adamic death" resulting from inherited imperfection (sin), prevents any and all of us from being able to initiate a re-connecting with the Perfect, Holy, Sovereign Creator.
"Not one ... can by any means redeem even a brother, nor give to God a ransom for him." (Psalm 49:7.) We cannot "give" what we do not have! Thus, the all-important need for the ransom sacrifice offered up willingly by Jesus Christ on our behalf.
What does all of this have to do with "Religion"? :confused: Simply this: Religion is (at best) nothing more than a "band-aid." An interim measure. An attempt to ameliorate an unbearable and unthinkable situation of alienation from the Creator. It is not now, never has been, and cannot be ... any sort of "ultimate solution."
Let's look at the other derivative words for the word "religion." One might suppose the word "religion" is to be found hundreds -- even thousands -- of times in the Bible, right? Wrong!!! In the New World Translation of The Holy Scriptures (with References), you will find the word "religion"...exactly SIX TIMES! They all occur in 2 Kings, chapter 17. (Verses 26, 26, 27, 33, 34, & 40.) When you consult the footnote on verse 26 in the above-mentioned NWT, you will find the derivative words as follows:
(1) Hebrew -- mish-pat'.
(2) Greek -- kri'ma.
(3) Latin -- le-gi'ti-ma.
If you wish to trace the literal meanings and implications of these derivative words, what you will find is simply this: They all have to do with ...
judgment ... condemnation ... separation ... elitism ... law/legislation.
Well, you may be wondering, if "Religion" isn't the "End-All" and "Be-All" ... then, WHAT IS???
The answer, in a word, is ... "WORSHIP"!
Much LOVE to ALL! :love: isomam
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We looked at 2 Kings, chapter 17 to find the ONLY six uses of the word "religion" in the NWT. If you read the chapter, you will observe that they all pertain to the "religion" of the Samaritans. In other words, elements of "True Worship" -- as had been dileneated to Moses by Jehovah God -- were commingled with what can only be described as a blatant "human agenda." (Perhaps, we can discuss the Samaritan religion more at length another time or in another thread.) So, the only available conclusion is that -- once again -- the "religion" of those worshippers described in 2 Kings, chapter 17, was of "limited" value and usefulness ... at best.
Other translations of the Bible do use the word "religion" in additional Scriptures. Personally, I credit the NWT Translation Committee as having done a good thing in limiting their use of the word "religion" to this one chapter in God's Word.
One Scripture where many other translations do use the word "religion" is James 1:27. How does it read in the NWT? Let's find out together.
"The form of worship that is clean and undefiled from the standpoint of our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep oneself without spot from the world."
The footnote on the expression "form of worship" in the NWT Reference Bible says:
Greek: thre-skei'a;
Latin: re-li'gi-o, "religion."
There's our "re-connecting" word, again. And, most English Bibles do read "The religion..." To it's credit (imo), the NWT Translation Committee opted not to use the word "religion" in this context. Why??? Because James is discussing the CORRECT way to approach God. The USEFUL thing. The DESIRABLE thing. From God's viewpoint as well as from our own standpoint. (It would seem that, -- at least in this instance, -- someone on that Committee was trying.)
Whereas, on the one hand, "Religion" seems to have (historically) always been inseparably linked with an agenda of self-preservation, self-promotion, self-exaltation, perceived superiority, exclusivity, and condemnation/disdain/judmentalism toward any outside it's ranks, ...
... on the other hand, WORSHIP seems to pertain to the immanent (in-born) need on the part of every human to "relate" to -- and have a connection with -- the Creator. We were made 'in His image.' Part of that involves our awareness of the true nature of our existence (as "created" things) and the wholesome need and desire to enjoy a healthy, fitting, proper relationship with our Heavenly Father.
"For we know that all creation keeps on groaning together and being in pain together until now."--Romans 8:22.
But, certainly, NOT forever. In fact, not for very much longer, at all!
"The creation itself also will be set free from enslavement to corruption and have the glorious freedom of the children of God."--Romans 8:21.
"THE GLORIOUS FREEDOM OF THE CHILDREN OF GOD"!!!
:groupwave: :grouphug: "Happy Dance"!!! :grouphug: :groupwave:
Personally, I utilize THREE PRIMARY SCRIPTURES to keep myself reminded of what it actually is that I am striving for, in order to be a practicer of "True Worship" right now, to the best of my present ability.
One of them is already quoted above. It is James 1:27. Here are my "other two."
"The conclusion of the matter, everything having been heard, is: Fear [Respect, Reverence, Acknowledge, Be In Awe Of] the [true] God and keep His commandments. For this is the whole obligation of man."--Ecclesiastes 12:13.
"What is Jehovah asking back from you but to EXERCISE JUSTICE and to LOVE KINDNESS and to BE MODEST in WALKING WITH YOUR GOD."--Micah 6:8.
These three verses of Scripture, I regard as my "triangular base" for my humble, feeble attempt to worship my Grand Creator. I try to stay standing "in the middle." Any students of geometry out there will readily recognize the triangle as the geometric shape which most closely resembles the expression, "cannot be made to totter."
As our exciting days arrive, one by one, and our Grand Creator does reveal Himself more directly to us as our Grand Instructor, we will -- ultimately -- move to a plateau where we will be able to leave the word "religion" behind us as part of our past. And we will whole-heartedly -- and with our whole soul -- embrace the concept and the joy and the practice of "TRUE WORSHIP"! Forever.
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~~~~~~~ I Choose ... "WORSHIP" ~~~~~~~
"Religion" has conditioned us, with reflex, to condemn
Ourselves as "worthless," "useless" things. These feelings deep within
Do rise from issues in us we must trace and recognize.
Our legacy inherited, would keep us from "The Prize."
"Religion" is so happy to exploit our unmet needs.
Peer pressure. Guilt and Shame and Fear. These are the things of Creeds.
"Religion's Own Agenda" should be clear for all to see.
Preserve itself. Protect itself. And, grow prosperity.
"Religion," though, is not without its own redeeming merit.
Through it, some do come to know God. His blessing, thus inherit.
The ever-present danger, though, is subtle and pervasive.
Delusion leads to pseudo-growth. While "Truth" remains evasive.
Self-loathing (though unrecognized) is "the price of admission."
It transforms to a new "feel better" self-righteous condition.
One who felt "not good enough," can now "superior" feel.
Exchange a problem for a greater one. A Danger. -- Real!
So, if "Religion" isn't, after all, the thing we seek,
Is there any reason to persist? A "Goal" for all the meek?
'Come to me, all you toiling, loaded down. I will refresh you.'
Love and reverence God. Love your neighbor. Let me bless you.
Not only did our Lord, Christ Jesus, tell us. But, he showed us
How to live a proper life of WORSHIP. Thus, bestowed us
With a blessing which can bring us through this troubled life right now.
While The Ransom which he paid will relieve our "groaning." Wow.
Yes, dear friend, WORSHIP is the worthwhile thing we're after.
While "straws" our eyes will still contain, "Religion" is a "Rafter."
Remove the "Rafter" from your eye. That, you may better see.
WORSHIP will remain. And, please our God, eternally.
~~~~~~~~~~ James 1:27. ... Micah 6:8. ... Ecclesiastes 12:13. ~~~~~~~~~~
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"Religion"??? ---- "Worship"???
If we can learn to distinguish 'tween "Worship," and "Religion,"
We might just step off her 'ship,' and be no cunning man's pigeon.
"Worship." -- It is Expansive. ... "Religion." -- It's, Rigid. Narrow.
"Worship," says that you're worth more than any bird or sparrow.
If you are prone to 'judge,' 'condemn,' ... prone to self-exaltation,
"Religion," has it's grip on you, causing you consternation.
"Religion," measures. ... "Worship," gives. And, freely gives, at that.
Spontaneous. Authentic. Genuine. Don't keep a stat.
It's sad to say, but, oh, so true, those who are most attracted.
Those low on self-esteem are often drawn. And, then impacted.
"Worship," does stem from deep within, an innate natural yearning.
"Religion," would bring 'rote,' and 'rule'; and, pound you down with 'learning.'
"Religion" separates, looks down on those not of her own.
"Worship" just embraces. 'Cause that's 'The Way' Christ has shown.
"Religion" loves to tell you all that is so wrong with you.
"Worship" says, 'OK. Let's start right here. We'll just build anew.'
"Religion" will be all too glad to tell you 'bout your sin.
"Worship" says, 'Let's keep trying. Where you are, is where I've been.'
Religion is made up of words like, 'Must!' and 'Should!' -- 'You Better!'
"Worship," says, 'Come,' and, 'Please,' and, 'Thank You,' and, 'You sit here.'
Through, "Religion," some found, "Worship," and that surely is a good thing.
If "Religion," is a, "means," "Worship's" the "goal." That has a truth-ring.
Do we look at a past, 'Religious'? And, we're full of regret?
Let's don't. "Worship," is here, now. Forever. The best news, yet.
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"Religion"??? ---- "Worship"??? (Part II.)
Religion can be harsh, and cold. Incredibly unfeeling.
Worship is warm, loving, caring. With reality it's dealing.
Religion has a built-in need to point accusing fingers.
Worship says, 'Let's work on that.' And, with the victim, lingers.
Religion, in full bloom, it is an ugly, ugly thing.
Worship, on the other hand, lets truth and freedom ring.
Religion wants to tell you 'bout that straw, there, in your eye.
Worship says, 'Let's build. Let's grow. Together, we will try.'
That straw-proclaiming Religion is, in itself, a Rafter.
Worship says, 'Whew. We don't need that. Not now. Or, ever after.'
It's sad, but true, what Religion does cause people to do.
Worship says, 'When you've had enough, I'm waiting here, for you.'
'By their fruits, indeed, you'll know them.' Religion's fruits are rotten.
Worship says, 'It's all about the Christ, Jesus, -- Son, only-begotten.'
Religion is a subtle snare. And, -- oh yes, too, -- a racket.
Worship is the God-connection. And, His Word does back it.
Religion revels in its role to judge, condemn, denounce.
Worship, simply wants, Jehovah's Kingdom, to announce.
Religion is the 'Number One Tool,' of that sly, ole' Satan.
Worship says, 'Love God. And, don't your neighbor be a-hatin'.'
Maybe the worst thing that Religion does is to enslave men.
Worship sets men free; and, draws them close to God again.
As long as this old system's here, Religion's still part of it.
After it's gone, Worship remains. Wow. You've gotta Love It!