What does it mean to be “religious?”

James 1:26-27

The word that James uses for “religious” (threskos) comes from the idea of religion being ritualistic worship activities or even a religious system that one embraces.

There is a reference in Jewish practice centuries before James was on the scene of the idea of “religious” being tied to the skill of a craftsman.  This person  made images of children and kings that provided avenues of reverence but also added to a whole world of superstition and misguided reverence that should have been directed toward God (Wisdom of Solomon XIV.18).

                So, for centuries people have attached wrong ideas to the notion of being religious. Questions abound: is it performing certain rituals correctly? Is it living a perfect life? Is it proving that I am morally better than others? Is it a type of moral purity I achieve because I do more things for the poor and needy? Does it mean that I am living a cramped lifestyle, and I cannot do the other “fun” things that my friends at work get to do over the weekend? Just what does it mean to be “religious?”

                In an astounding move, James takes the idea of “religious/religion” and,  instead of emphasizing ritualistic perfection and moral perfection, he points out that it is a matter of the heart.

                Because religion is a matter of the heart, three things will be evident:

1.       I will be able to bridle my tongue and bless others instead of cursing them.

2.       To care for orphans and widows need, troubles and pressures.

3.       Embrace a different set of values that focuses on God’s will, and not run rampant after values of the world that destroy one’s character and reputation.

Of course, this short list was never intended by James to be the entire picture. But notice that it covers three important things: my words, my reaching out to others, and my value system. If this is religion, then it covers a lot in my life!

Throughout the Bible God demonstrates concern that his covenant people control their tongues. Who would have thought that religions is concerned with what I say to you!

Throughout the Bible God demonstrates His care for the widows and orphans through his covenant people. Who would have thought that religion is concerned with that!

Throughout the Bible God demonstrates concern that His covenant people embrace the right values. Who would have thought that religion is concerned about the values I embrace down deep in my heart, and guide what I do every day!

Even though “religious” and “religion” have received a bad rap for a long time, perhaps the only answer is to live the Christian life in such a way that my tongue, my care, and my values give these two words a whole new meaning from the context of my faithful life to my loving Heavenly Father!

In Christian love, Curtis

Called To Independence

In his own autobiography Ralph W. Beiting comes to grips with poverty and welfare. His fundamental stance in reaching out to the impoverished is that God has called each one of us to independence and not dependence. Many might disagree with his system of values, but he insists that this sense of calling comes from his many decades of working with the poor in Appalachia. Listen to his clarion call to the sound of independence:

“Welfare was sure. It came every month on the same day. Welfare was safe. Safe is not always good—not when it leads to dependence and despair. I don’t believe God created us to play it safe. He wants us to be explorers, dreamers, mountain climbers”(Called to the Mountains, page 25).

His observation may fly in the face of conventional wisdom. However, we all know the problem of providing safety nets for children, etc., that require no accountability and provide no opportunities for initiative. What should the Christian’s attitude be toward government welfare? Allow me to give some broad sweeping answers that of course will vary depending on the urgency of the circumstances.

1.   First, welfare fundamentally speaks about a person’s well-being.

2.   Secondly, welfare as originally conceived was never thought of as being a permanent solution.

3.   Third, when welfare creates dependency and destroys initiative it has ceased being welfare.

4.   Fourth, when welfare is offered in true circumstances of need there is no place for judgmentalism.

5.   Fifth, from the Christian perspective, welfare is always offered from a heart of compassion.

6.   Sixth, the church is in the business of helping others where necessary to enable them to come off welfare.

7.   Seventh, welfare is often needed because innocent children are involved.

I am wondering one thing though…if welfare assistance disappeared overnight, would the church be poised to step in and provide necessary support from the stance of compassion, accountability and Christian well-being?

In Christian love, Curtis