Why I Hate Religion
- Thread starter jiggyfly
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God spoke on Religion in James.
26If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. 27Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
To denounce everything called 'religion' is to denounce Gods pure religion. It is written, And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. Many say that if we think that we are to walk without sin in our own lives while encouraging others to do the same thing but shunning those who continue in sin, that we are somehow religious zealots whom God hates. It is a wrong view of God to believe so. Jesus ate with the sinners for the purpose of convicting them of it and inviting them to repent of it and be reconciled unto God. Today everyone wants to say Jesus only came to pay the bill and not to cleanse the flock. Each will receive their reward from him for their own work. As it is written, Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. Herein is why I warn every man of the sin he still lives in.
In Jesus Name,
Gary
26If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. 27Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
To denounce everything called 'religion' is to denounce Gods pure religion. It is written, And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. Many say that if we think that we are to walk without sin in our own lives while encouraging others to do the same thing but shunning those who continue in sin, that we are somehow religious zealots whom God hates. It is a wrong view of God to believe so. Jesus ate with the sinners for the purpose of convicting them of it and inviting them to repent of it and be reconciled unto God. Today everyone wants to say Jesus only came to pay the bill and not to cleanse the flock. Each will receive their reward from him for their own work. As it is written, Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. Herein is why I warn every man of the sin he still lives in.
In Jesus Name,
Gary
Hello all.
Thanks Fraction for the video clip, my brother's son was deeply moved by this.
He downloaded it and took it to school, giving it to his friends.
Apparently, it is spreading far and wide, online.
My brother's son is not a Christian, He is only 14 years old.
Keep up the good work Fraction.
Thanks Fraction for the video clip, my brother's son was deeply moved by this.
He downloaded it and took it to school, giving it to his friends.
Apparently, it is spreading far and wide, online.
My brother's son is not a Christian, He is only 14 years old.
Keep up the good work Fraction.
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That is how KJ translators transliterated thrēskeia. Have you ever done an etymology study of the English word "religion"?
The English word "religion" comes from the Latin word "religio" and it means to bind again or to obligate.
I already posted this video, and it was moved to this section.
It's good right?
Yeah I thought so, sorry, I didnt check to see if it had already been posted.
Kit Carson
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Great video!!
However let me take it a step further and let us step away from resentment and condemnation of the church for a second. And remember the words of Jesus.
Father forgive them for they know not what they do. Take that to heart and understand it.
Sure the church is not perfect. The young man reminds me of me. I am very outspoken in these things but I understand the importance of the church and the teaching of Gods word.
So when you go to church and see things and hear things that are not right, just run to God and ask for the truth in things, listen to the teachings of Jesus, but never condemn things. Grant upon them the grace of understanding that has been given to us.
Do not let resentment and such things of our way push you away as there is great good accomplished also and as folks do accept God and listen to Jesus, they also come to the truth of all things.
So leave resentment in a box. Throw the box away. And listen to what Jesus says, and yes in a gentle way, if opportunity presents itself speak the truth.
You can do so in bible study and in church , and you will never be challenged in any way of defeat as the truth will stand on its own merit and none can overcome it.
I see in the young man myself. With time Gods word taught me much and I no longer resent the church, or the religion. I simply understand it and I take the words Jesus said.........Father forgive them for they know not what they do.......you see Jesus forgives them as do I. I am far from perfect myself......I am trying, but I am still so fallen. I can never understand the absolute perfection of God. But I do try.
Kit
However let me take it a step further and let us step away from resentment and condemnation of the church for a second. And remember the words of Jesus.
Father forgive them for they know not what they do. Take that to heart and understand it.
Sure the church is not perfect. The young man reminds me of me. I am very outspoken in these things but I understand the importance of the church and the teaching of Gods word.
So when you go to church and see things and hear things that are not right, just run to God and ask for the truth in things, listen to the teachings of Jesus, but never condemn things. Grant upon them the grace of understanding that has been given to us.
Do not let resentment and such things of our way push you away as there is great good accomplished also and as folks do accept God and listen to Jesus, they also come to the truth of all things.
So leave resentment in a box. Throw the box away. And listen to what Jesus says, and yes in a gentle way, if opportunity presents itself speak the truth.
You can do so in bible study and in church , and you will never be challenged in any way of defeat as the truth will stand on its own merit and none can overcome it.
I see in the young man myself. With time Gods word taught me much and I no longer resent the church, or the religion. I simply understand it and I take the words Jesus said.........Father forgive them for they know not what they do.......you see Jesus forgives them as do I. I am far from perfect myself......I am trying, but I am still so fallen. I can never understand the absolute perfection of God. But I do try.
Kit
No worries at all sir. I am just glad that it is actually getting attention now lol. Thank you.
I am so filled with joy to hear this! Praise God!
Nothing makes my day happy more than
knowing someone, somewhere, opened the
door that Jesus was knocking on.
I checked 18 different translations and found that all but one used 'religion' to translate this word.
26If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. 27Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
The first word for religious in verse 26 is θρησκὸς, Strongs 2357 defined by blueletterbible as:
Adjective:
- fearing or worshipping God
- to tremble
- trembling, fearful
It only occurs once in the whole NT.
The other two are a noun form of the same word θρησκεία
Noun:
- religious worship
- esp. external, that which consists of ceremonies
- religious discipline, religion
Definitions for Religion.
Google:
re·li·gion/riˈlijən/
Noun:
The belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, esp. a personal God or gods.
Details of belief as taught or discussed.
Websters 1828:
RELIGION, n. relij'on. [L. religio, from religo, to bind anew; re and ligo, to bind. This word seems originally to have signified an oath or vow to the gods, or the obligation of such an oath or vow, which was held very sacred by the Romans.]
- Religion, in its most comprehensive sense, includes a belief in the being and perfections of God, in the revelation of his will to man, in man's obligation to obey his commands, in a state of reward and punishment, and in man's accountableness to God; and also true godliness or piety of life, with the practice of all moral duties. It therefore comprehends theology, as a system of doctrines or principles, as well as practical piety; for the practice of moral duties without a belief in a divine lawgiver, and without reference to his will or commands, is not religion.
- Religion, as distinct from theology, is godliness or real piety in practice, consisting in the performance of all known duties to God and our fellow men, in obedience to divine command, or from love to God and his law. James 1.
- Religion, as distinct from virtue, or morality, consists in the performance of the duties we owe directly to God, from a principle of obedience to his will. Hence we often speak of religion and virtue, as different branches of one system, or the duties of the first and second tables of the law.
- Let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion.
- Any system of faith and worship. In this sense, religion comprehends the belief and worship of pagans and Mohammedans, as well as of christians; any religion consisting in the belief of a superior power or powers governing the world, and in the worship of such power or powers. Thus we speak of the religion of the Turks, of the Hindoos, of the Indians, &c. as well as of the christian religion. We speak of false religion, as well as of true religion.
- The rites of religion; in the plural.
Merrium Webster:
Definition of RELIGION
- : the state of a religious <a nun in her 20th year of religion>
- (1) : the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2) : commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
- a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
- archaic : scrupulous conformity : conscientiousness
- : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
As I look at these resources, I come to the same conclusion that I had before. Jesus came not to do away with Religion itself, but False Religion. True Religion that expresses itself as the bible explains it in James is what God desires of his people. As far as 'bind again' or 'obligate', they both apply to the Christian religion. You are under law, not the Mosaic Law, but the Law of Christ. Those who believe they are not bound or obligated are they who will hear those words "depart from me you worker of iniquity (lawlessness), I never knew you".
In Jesus Name,
Gary
Like I said it comes from the Latin word religio meaning to bind again. Jesus set us free but religion tries to put us into bondage.
IMO Worship is a much better word than religion in these cases.
Guess it depends on one's idea of what the entity of the church. Many believe that the body of Christ is the same as the Christian religious institution, but I beg to differ on many levels. But need to save it for another discussion. I have posted many threads on this topic feel free to make a post on any of them.
Every definition I provided defines religion as worship. I think it may just be the bad connotation that the word religion has experienced. It has been perverted to carry only negative connotations. Worship on the other hand is today's buzz word for having a relationship with God.
I understand why you would hesitate to have a desire to use the word.
Gary
The video isn't about a word or a word study.
The video isn't directed at Christianity.
The video isn't directed at THE CHURCH, mentioned in the bible.
The video is speaking of modern day church denominations. You know, the churches made strictly by mans idea and view. Which obviously separate the Christian community. Which causes heated debates and rivalry. Which sometimes bend and twist scripture. The churches that don't accept you for the holes in your face, ink on your skin, clothes on your back, music that you listen to, friends that you bring, sexual orientation, and the sin that you have checked on your list.
Where in the bible does it say that these things are okay and should be done? Where in the bible does it instruct us to create different factions that divide and weaken the Christian community?
Imagine this: If every Christian followed the gospel of Jesus, and left everything else to a personal view. If all of the debate of who is sinning, what they are doing, who they are, how they are doing it CEASED. Imagine how powerful and appealing the Christian faith would be. Christianity shouldn't be defined as a religion, but as belief in Jesus Christ.
The video isn't directed at Christianity.
The video isn't directed at THE CHURCH, mentioned in the bible.
The video is speaking of modern day church denominations. You know, the churches made strictly by mans idea and view. Which obviously separate the Christian community. Which causes heated debates and rivalry. Which sometimes bend and twist scripture. The churches that don't accept you for the holes in your face, ink on your skin, clothes on your back, music that you listen to, friends that you bring, sexual orientation, and the sin that you have checked on your list.
Where in the bible does it say that these things are okay and should be done? Where in the bible does it instruct us to create different factions that divide and weaken the Christian community?
Imagine this: If every Christian followed the gospel of Jesus, and left everything else to a personal view. If all of the debate of who is sinning, what they are doing, who they are, how they are doing it CEASED. Imagine how powerful and appealing the Christian faith would be. Christianity shouldn't be defined as a religion, but as belief in Jesus Christ.
You really don't know? Jesus himself said he did not come to unite but divide. Paul instructed the church at Corinth to throw out the sinners and give them over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh. We are to purge out the old leaven. Paul instructed to mark them that cause division among us that are contrary to the doctrine which we have learned and avoid them. We are commanded in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to withdraw ourselves from every brother who does not walk after the ordinances that we have received. Even Jesus didn't give his own family the time of day when they wished to see him as he stated that those who actually do the will of God his Father are his family. So to think that we are supposed to make friendly and invite everyone into the church without checking their sin at the door is wrong. I stand firm. The bible says the pure religion is to keep your self unspotted from the world. Purge out the leaven and live. Stay soiled with sin and die. To love one another is to wash each others feet from the dirt that gets on them from this ungodly world we live in that is kept in store to be judged by fire. Jesus said that they were clean through the words he spoke to them. The bible contends "Awake to righteousness and sin not". All that are willing to do so will be persecuted by those who are uncircumcised in heart and living in their flesh, hating the light and calling them self-righteous, just looking for a way to throw them under the bus or nail them to a cross. Ecumenicism is not Jesus way.
In Jesus Name,
Gary
here is a good example of "religion"(the not good kind):
Mat 23:5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
in case you dont know what a phylacteries is, its small leather cases which contained certian scriptures that the old timey hebrews would wear on their arms and foreheads.
now for the part about borders of garments:
Num 15:38 Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:
Num 15:39 And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a *******:
now back to matt 23. ( i am skipping around.)
Mat 23:3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
Mat 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
23:23 says what we ought to be doing.(the good kind)
Mat 23:5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
in case you dont know what a phylacteries is, its small leather cases which contained certian scriptures that the old timey hebrews would wear on their arms and foreheads.
now for the part about borders of garments:
Num 15:38 Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:
Num 15:39 And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a *******:
now back to matt 23. ( i am skipping around.)
Mat 23:3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
Mat 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
23:23 says what we ought to be doing.(the good kind)
Hello gdemoss.
I was struggling to understand you post.
Especially, regarding division and unity.
Look at the following verses.
Luke 12 (NKJV)
51 Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.
52 For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three.
53 Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and
daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law
against her mother-in-law.”
Division mentioned above applies to the family unit, not the Church.
Ephesians 4
4 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,
2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;
5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
The verses above definitely define the unity we have as Christians.
I was struggling to understand you post.
Especially, regarding division and unity.
Look at the following verses.
Luke 12 (NKJV)
51 Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.
52 For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three.
53 Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and
daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law
against her mother-in-law.”
Division mentioned above applies to the family unit, not the Church.
Ephesians 4
4 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,
2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;
5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
The verses above definitely define the unity we have as Christians.
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God does not choose a man because
he is wise!
God does not choose a man because
he has a trained tongue
God does not choose a man because
he has a college degree.
God makes a man wise!
God makes a mans tongue humble!
GOd makes a mans hart humble!
God makes a man wise threw his words!
GOd want us to keep his cammandments!
God makes his word known!
threw the holy spirit!
God gave us his son! so we could have
Eternal life!and that is for all that
belive in him!
Gods son told us to learn gods word
for ourselves.
GODs son tould us of what is to come
in the future!
(II Tim. 4:3-5)
{"For the time will come
when they will not endure sound doctrine,
but according to their own desires,
because they have itching ears,
they will heap up for themselves teachers;
and they will turn their ears
away from the truth,
and turned aside to fables.
But ye be watchful in all things,
endure afflictions, do
the work of an evangelist,
fulfill your ministry"} .
he is wise!
God does not choose a man because
he has a trained tongue
God does not choose a man because
he has a college degree.
God makes a man wise!
God makes a mans tongue humble!
GOd makes a mans hart humble!
God makes a man wise threw his words!
GOd want us to keep his cammandments!
God makes his word known!
threw the holy spirit!
God gave us his son! so we could have
Eternal life!and that is for all that
belive in him!
Gods son told us to learn gods word
for ourselves.
GODs son tould us of what is to come
in the future!
(II Tim. 4:3-5)
{"For the time will come
when they will not endure sound doctrine,
but according to their own desires,
because they have itching ears,
they will heap up for themselves teachers;
and they will turn their ears
away from the truth,
and turned aside to fables.
But ye be watchful in all things,
endure afflictions, do
the work of an evangelist,
fulfill your ministry"} .
