“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” James 1:27
Every institution started by humanity came about because of a shared need. From government to commerce, education to healthcare, people realized a need. Then they came together in cooperation. The institution of religion is no different.
Early mankind realized there is much outside of their control. Like today, they looked around and ask where did all this come from. They struggled for survival. They built huts to shelter from the elements. They grew crops knowing their need for sunshine and rain. All this makes one stop and ask the bigger questions of life. Who made all this? What influences the patterns of the natural world? Where did all this come about? When did life begin? Why does all this exist? How does one relate to the One or ones in charge of the unseen realm?
Early thinkers ask such questions and began to offer answers. As their influence grew, their ideas took hold and the community responded. Over time many of the superstitions and rituals became the norm within the culture one grew up in. As with most religions, there is always an inkling of truth mix up with a smorgasbord of illusions.
Enter the Jewish-Christian faith.
One of the earlier religions mostly forgotten was kept by a man of Ur, a Chaldean, named Abram. While many of his associates worshiped many gods, he worshiped the LORD God. (Most likely, the stories of Adam and Eve’s God was passed down and a few people continued to worship HIM). But the LORD chose this person as the starting block of the Jewish faith. From Abraham (God changed Abram’s name) we get to Joseph, Moses, David, and eventually through time Jesus. With Jesus, we have the New Covenant. A new religion burped from the fulfillment of the Jewish laws and prophets.
What Jesus taught was a clarification of the purpose behind religion. In his time, many people practiced religion as a transactional commodity. They practiced acts to appease their god. An insurance policy to protect them or reward them from the dangerous gods around them. A sort of like the Mafia protection racket. Pay your tribute to the gods and no harm will come upon you. Others simply practice from social constraints. But Jesus corrected their mindset.
HE spoke about HIS heavenly Father in the most tender terms. HE called HIM, Abba. Aramaic for Papa or Daddy. An intimate relationship between a father and his child. HE shared parables and stories describing how God runs to those who are lost. HE will go out of HIS way for one. HE spoke about the familial relationship between Papa God and HIS children. The healthy relationship between a father and his children is one who cares. Who wants to see HIS child succeed. Who wants to nourish and bless HIS children with the best. HE wants to see HIS children succeed in life, not fail. HE wants them to know HE loves them, unconditionally. Yet HE wants them to be the best they can be. HE wants what is best for them.
Religion gives one the structure to build a relationship with the Creator God. Bad structure, bad relationship. Good structure, good relationship.
This is the purpose behind religion. To worship and relate with the God who IS rather than the God one wants. The closer a religion aligns to the Truth, the more one comes to know and walk with the Creator. The more one walks with the Creator, the more one reflects HIS character and attitude. In the end, one learns to live a life with greater meaning and purpose and fulfillment.
One can go and try to create their own religious framework. But as many entrepreneurs will tell you, it is less costly to tweak a business already in existence. The same with religion. The world doesn’t need a new religion. Re-creating the wheel is a long and difficult road to travel. That is why many of us have investigated the leaders of various religions. The purpose is to grasp their teachings and see actual fruit of their ways. The end result is Jesus Christ and HIS Kingdom stands above them all.
Make HIM your reference point. Learn and grow in HIS grace and knowledge. You then have the foundation to build an intimate relationship with the Triune God. Yes, life is a training process preparing you for eternity with Jesus. This is the purpose of true religion.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler
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