Have you ever asked, what is religion?

Perhaps you decided at one time or another that “religion” wasn’t for you. After all, it’s a kill joy. All it is is a list of do’s and don’ts.

Others argue that religion has done more harm than good over the last 1,000 years. The crusades were brutal. Manipulation of the Catholic Church in the 1400s and 1500s led to the Reformation. Even since then, some church leaders and clergy have done some bad things in the name of the church and Christ.

So, in the theme of being candid, these things are undeniable. If that’s the rationale for saying “religion” has let you down, it’s impossible to argue against.

On Tuesday, The Guardian wrote an article on a new movie about Jesus by Martin Scorsese. The producer noted he wanted to make a film about the person of Jesus while trying to take away the “negatives of organised religion.” (Yes, that’s how the British spell our word for organized).

“The director, 81, added: “Right now, ‘religion’, you say that word and everyone is up in arms because it’s failed in so many ways. But that doesn’t mean necessarily that the initial impulse was wrong. Let’s get back. Let’s just think about it. You may reject it. But it might make a difference in how you live your life – even in rejecting it. Don’t dismiss it offhand. That’s all I’m talking about.””

So, has “religion” failed, or have we?

I think there is a serious distinction between religion and faith.

From a practical viewpoint, religion is an obligation. It’s a set of rules to live by out of fear of a negative consequence.

Faith is something completely different. It’s not based on fear. It’s based on hope. 

In the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly tells those he forgave, healed, or raised from the dead that His actions were done by the faith of those requesting His help.

See, we are not saved by any other thing than our faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible is clear on this point.

Still, I want to make a distinction between evangelical Protestantism and Orthodoxy on this point. I hope this clarifies the question of religion…

In protestant evangelical theology, we are told that to get into heaven and out of hell all we must do is accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. It’s based solely on a legal system of punishment and reward.

As an Orthodox Christian, I don’t deny this truth. What I say is it’s incomplete. The purpose of salvation wasn’t so that you could go to heaven. That’s a benefit. The purpose of salvation is that you can have a deep and intimate relationship with God (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), the Church, and all the saints (both past and present — for are on Body in Christ).

The meaning of salvation in this context is what changes us. Knowing that the Creator of all things wants to know me, and wants me to know Him, is astounding to my mind. 

In Romans 2:18-23, the Apostle Paul says, “that which is known about God is evident within them.” He adds that God’s “invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made.” 

Paul then notes, “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks.” Thus, they exchanged a relationship with Him for other things, and “professing to be wise, they became fools.”

Religion is man-made. 

Therefore, it goes without saying, that religion has let us down. 

As long as clergy, church leaders, and those professing Christ don’t walk in the light we will let one another down. Although we saved, we still have a sinful nature. I’m imperfect and so are you. We are made perfect in Christ. This is why Paul tells us to continually “work out our salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).

Salvation is an ongoing process that requires grace.

God gave grace to us, but do we give it to one another?

Religion will stop letting us down when we start living with grace towards one another in the Body of Christ. When we start encouraging each other to mature in our faith. When we exercise forgiveness. When we do the work of the ministry that Jesus called His Apostles and has been handed down to us.

Blessings to you,

Deacon Father Don