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THE DEFINITION OF RELIGION

Victor M. Eskew

 

            Many of us use the word “religion” in our conversations from day to day.  However, if we were asked to define the word “religion,” we could not do it.  Some think it refers to a large group of people who worship something.  Others think that religion is an organized group that conforms to a certain set of dogmas, principles, and standards.  Still others believe that one practices religion when he does whatever he believes makes him right before God.  In this article, let’s look at some of the markers that make something a religion.

            First, a religion includes a belief in a higher power.  Notice the choice of words in that statement.  The higher power could be the God of the Bible.  On the other hand, the higher power could be a god who is represented by some aspect of nature.  Religions acknowledged many different higher powers. 

            Second, a religion has a code of beliefs that are supposed to be acknowledged by the followers of that religion.  Sometimes these codes are very sophisticated.  At other times, the codes could come down to just one or two core beliefs.  If a person is going to be in fellowship with a particular group, he must conform to the creed of that group.  The fewer number of core beliefs the easier it is to unite individuals from all races, cultures, and backgrounds. 

            Third, a religion has followers.  Sometimes the number of followers a religion has is great.  At others times, there can be just a handful of followers.  Some religions have only one follower in their group.  We refer to religions with one follower as “personal religions.” 

            Fourth, a religion also involves its members in some type of reformation of life.  The individual’s life prior to coming to this religion involved a life of corruption.  By following the instructions of the religion, the person can be made free from his defilement. The means of purification practiced by each of the groups differs.  Sometimes, it culminates in a special ceremony where many in the religion are present.  At other times, purification happens privately within the individual’s life. 

            Fifth, a religion teaches their followers how to live in this world.  Religions have a code of ethics their followers are supposed to adhere to.  If they do, they can continue as members in good standing.  If they do not, they can be subject to various forms of discipline deemed acceptable by their religion.  Some religious groups are very strict in carrying out discipline.  Others have a code of disciple, but they seldom follow it. 

            Sixth, a religion usually has a time and place where their members gather to worship their higher power.  The place of worship can be a temple, a simple building, a rented facility, or just the outdoors.  Their place of worship often includes articles of worship:  altars, sacred books, spices, holy water, incense, instruments of music, etc.  Their worship usually involves such things as prayer, singing hymns, readings from religious books, a period of instruction, and a time to give financially.  Not all of these things may be done every meeting, but they are carried out regularly to give honor to their higher power.

            Seventh, a religion affirms an afterlife.  In other words, there is a place where an individual will reside after death.  Those who are faithful to the teachings of the religion are promised heaven, bliss, a paradise, a renovated earth, or a host of other places of blessings for their loyal adherents.    

            These seven things help us to determine if something is a religion or not.  There are many groups that meet all seven of these earmarks yet they deny that they are a religion.  They do this primarily to draw more members into their group.  Some people are turned off by religion.  Thus, if a group denies it is a religion, individuals are drawn to it, especially if it is what some refer to as being “spiritual.”  These groups can be all-inclusive.  They can accept people who hold other religious beliefs because their code of beliefs contains few articles and often coincides with the beliefs of other religious groups.  Individuals within such groups are harmonious and happy.  For those who have another religion, that is the one that dominates their life.  They see their second religion more like a social club.  For those who have no other religion, this group can satisfy their religious desires.  They can be purified, have a place of fellowship, be involved in informal worship, and have a hope of life in the hereafter. 

            The Bible teaches that there is only one true religion, the religion established by Jesus Christ.  He is the means by which all men come to God.  Jesus said:  “I am the way, the truth, and the life:  no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).  It is only through Jesus that salvation can be obtained.  Peter was plain when he declared:  “Neither is their salvation in any other:  for there is none of the name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).  Paul noted the seven pillars of unity in Ephesians 4:4-6.  “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”  There are not many bodies that offer salvation.  There is one Spirit who has communicated God’s will to the human race.  There are not many hopes available in the hereafter.  There is only one true Lord, Jesus Christ the Son of God.  There is one system of faith, not thousands.  There is one baptism that purifies and saves.  There is one God to whom all man are to submit.

            Satan has muddied the waters by offering thousands of different religions to mankind.  This device has caused confusion and division within humanity.  It has also given many a false sense of security.  Many believe that all religions are basically alike.  They believe that all of them provide salvation.  They believe that hope for a life in the world to come can be found in all of them.  Sadly, they have been deceived.  Only Jesus, His blood, and His church provide the security and hope so many are seeking in other religions.  “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.  He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (I John 5:11-12).