… I am currently studying Stage 2 Religion. I was just wondering if you had the time to email me with the answers to a few questions. What is the definition of Religion to you? What is the definition of Spirituality to you? Is there any connection between the two? Emily Bussenschutt, a student at Thomas More College, Salisbury, Australia,
Religious questions for which one desires biblical answers are welcome. The international survey via the Internet that we have received does not exactly follow our purpose in receiving and answering questions. However, perhaps the following response will prove useful.
The word “religion” is variously represented in the New Testament. One of its definitions, from the Greek, threskeia, has to do with the visible, external aspect of religion, which may be manifested in worship or in deportment, and ideally will be obvious in both (Acts 26:5; James 1:26-27). Another Greek word, theosebeia, translated “godliness,” means reverence for God (1 Timothy 2:10). Still another Greek word, eusebeia, translated “godliness,” pertains to the piety exhibited toward God in Christianity (2 Timothy 3:5; 2 Peter 3:11). The New Testament portrays religion, reverence and godliness or piety as inseparable components of the New Testament religion, Christianity.
Hence, religion that is ‘practiced religiously’ and spirituality are one in the same. Accordingly, a valid dictionary definition for religion is the ‘service and worship of God’ and ‘devotion to religious faith.’ Likewise, spirituality by definition is ‘sensitivity or attachment to religious values.’ Therefore, the New Testament contains rebukes for those who irregularly and unenthusiastically practice Christianity.
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:25-31).
“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16).
More than simply a heritage or a cold empty form, the religion of Christianity depicted upon the pages of the New Testament is vibrantly alive and responsive to the Gospel message. “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). For those who fully embrace it, New Testament Christianity is a way of life that will not fail us on earth or fail us eternally.
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3).
