What is Religion?

The following is a short article on true religion that appeared in both a Missouri and Ohio paper in 1842. The author is not identified. It gives a brief and timely reminder of what the Bible considers pure religion.

“What is religion? Not that which meteor-like, shines for a brief period and then fades and disappears. Not that which talks most – prays loudest – sighs deepest – shouts loudest – and reproves with greatest severity. Not that which can reject the widow’s petition, the orphan’s cry.

Not that which can deceives in bargain, deals closely with the poor; withholds the just requital of labor, breeds jealousies, alienates friends, embitters enemies, betrays confidence, promotes sectarian strife and renders evil for evil. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father, is this: to visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction, and to keep ourselves unspotted form the world.

Pure religion is a vital principle – a foundation of living water springing up in the soul and cleansing it from the pollutions of sin. A radiance shining into the hear, giving it new light, new principles of action and new modes of action – giving it higher aims, brighter hopes and sweeter joys. Pure religion teaches us to love our enemies, to pray for them, and in all things to render good for evil. It requires us to act on principles of perfect justice. All things whatsoever we would that men should do unto us, to do so to them. To do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before God.”