America-Holy Nation or Religion-obsessed?
In his book, History of Religion in the United States (Prentice-Hall, 1960), Clifton E. Olmstead leads the reader through a rich chronology highlighting both religious survival and religious revival in America. As might be expected, major developments have occurred within the religious sector of America since the time of that writing almost 50 years ago. Among them is the profound proliferation of televangelism and megachurches that are now rather commonplace. Other evolvements, similarly, give us reason to pause and contemplate how religion has seemingly become inextricably woven into the fabric of American society.
Virtually every aspect of American culture is impacted in some way by religion. Entire networks in both old and new media have been established to reach the masses with various religious messages. Political candidates and appointees are highly, and some may argue unfairly, scrutinized for their religious beliefs or lack of them. Both prayer in public schools and religious displays on public property have been hotly debated issues in the press and courtroom. In addition, according to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, claims of workplace religious discrimination are on the rise. In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, many persons have become less comfortable with, and consequently less tolerant of, persons whose dress and speech may symbolize that they are members of a certain religion or sect.
With such apparent and well-documented evidence of religious dialogue, one might easily conclude that America has an obsession with religion. In this context, the word “obsession” suggests the persistent domination of life by a particular system of moral beliefs and practices. In deciding whether America has in fact reached such a state, one must first appreciate the role, if any, that religion should play in the lives of Americans. Incidentally, while America is the focal point of this particular article, the application extends far beyond the geographical borders of this nation.
What is true religion? In answering this question, the first chapter of the book of James in God’s Holy Word provides a very clear standard for measuring the purpose and quality of professed religion. While verse 26 warns against vain religion, verse 27 describes the goal to be attained. Together they read as follows: Verse 26: “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.” Verse 27: “Pure 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.”
These passages provide a threshold of acceptability to the only One capable of bestowing eternal rewards for those who measure up to the standard. (See Revelation 22:12.) Of course, there is no suggestion that even these acts of pure religion can save us. Salvation is a function of grace made possible only through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ our Lord. Rather, the promised eternal reward is what God has chosen as a sign of His recognition of those who accept His grace and show His love to other desperate souls. Even the most ardent practitioners of true religion are not saved by their works, but are only rewarded according to them.
In addition to the requirements found in James 1, there are other scriptural mandates for those professing true religion. According to Matthew 25:35-45, these include visiting the sick, providing food and drink to the hungry and thirsty, clothing the naked, ministering to the prisoners, and being hospitable to strangers. One part of Matthew 25:46 promises an eternal reward to those who ultimately pass the test of true religion. In stark contrast, it also warns of everlasting punishment against those who fail the test. The Savior admonishes in verse Matthew 25:40: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” This solemn proclamation signifies the role of religion in its pure form. Among other things, it helps to constrain the true Christian from selectively engaging in acts of kindness and mercy on the basis of a recipient’s social, cultural, educational, or economic status. By serving as the precious object and filter of all deeds—whether those of omission or commission—Christ has reserved for Himself absolute authority as arbiter regarding human religious effort.
The command of Jesus in Mark 12:31 to “love thy neighbor as thyself,” was constantly underscored by His own perfect example in service to others. Stated another way, He walked His talk. He showed the world what true religion looked like in profession and practice. He fed the hungry multitudes, restored sight to the blind, healed the lame, wept with the grieving, gave eternal water to a thirsting polygamist, freed a man shackled by demons and humans alike, and rescued a society-estranged adulteress from death row. He continues to offer all sinners denuded by sin the opportunity to be clothed in His righteousness.
It may be all too easy to resort to using a simple checklist of actions performed to fulfill the requirements of true religion. A more effective approach, however, involves letting Christ’s mind be in you in accordance with the words of Philippians 2:5. Those who allow Christ’s mind to be transplanted within themselves will be transformed by His love. The presence and power of the Holy Spirit will lead, and equip them to do all that pleases God. Personal notions of charitable and religious sufficiency will be replaced by a sense of complete submission and sincere willingness to do whatever God inspires the soul to do.
There is nothing that pleases God like having faith in Him and trusting that He can and will do what He promised. In fact, Hebrews 11:6 states that “without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Seeking God in faith opens up the opportunity to be led of Him in all acts of pure religion, and not just those found in a personally cherished, though well-meaning, checklist.
Faith in God is an essential element of true religion because it is an admission of one’s own inabilities and a cry for help from a supreme source of greater power. Romans 4:3 says: “Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” Regarding the Roman centurion seeking healing for his sick servant through the words of Christ alone, Jesus marveled and stated, “I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel” (Matthew 8:10). Interestingly, Jesus remarked on this marvelous faith while the centurion was seeking to help another. No wonder James 2:22 suggests that faith is made perfect by works.
It is quite possible to have an obsession with the profession of religion while falling woefully short of the requirements of true religion. The apostle Paul refers to this in 2 Timothy 3:5 as “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” It is high time we take an introspective view to see if true religion is being served effec-
tively through each of us individually and collectively. If the practices embraced are not reflective of the true standard, then Paul gives the only acceptable option in the last part of 2 Timothy 2:5: “from such turn away.”
SANDY C. ROBINSON III is a practicing attorney, writer, and speaker. He resides in Huntsville, Alabama, with his wife, Marjorie, who serves as dean of women at Oakwood University. They have two adult daughters and a son. |
