Writing Prompt: Do I “Practice Religion”

Daily writing prompt

Do you practice religion?

View all responses

In this post-modern age, the word “religion” is widely associated with negative connotations of “control”, “tradition”, and “ritual.” Although these are connotations, I do not believe that religion, or the practice of it, should be viewed as negative. In order to distinguish “good religion” from “bad religion,” many individuals often refer to themselves as “spiritual” instead of “religious.” However, when defined simply, I believe that those who proclaim knowledge of an absolute truth regarding deity AND live according to that truth are religious, even if they deny its connotations.

Religion is defined by Oxford Languages as “the belief in and worship of a superhuman power or powers, especially a God or gods.”

If one professes to be a Christian, then faith and worship is a regular practice (cf Romans 10:17; John 4:24). One cannot be a Christian and neglect a) their faith and b) the truth and spirit aspects of worship. Christianity is a religion and that cannot be denied. So, when I hear Christians (or others who profess a belief in Christ) say that they practice “spirituality,” but not “religion,” I do believe it is an answer given out of either ignorance or cowardice.

So, to answer this prompt, yes. I do practice religion. I believe in and I worship a power that is beyond me. I want to serve the Law of God, and I want to obey the ordinances He has established in His Holy Word. God has control over my life, and that is not a bad thing. I know that as a human that is stained with sin and imperfection, I am not capable of directing my life on my own without being attacked by the devil (cf. 1 Peter 5:6-8). Do I practice tradition? Yes, but it is God’s. I do not give myself to the teachings or tradition’s of men, rather I give myself to the ordinances and commands of the Lord only, and I behold the pattern of God (Mark 7:8). And do I ritualistically serve God? Yes, because He deserves it. On the first day of every week, God gets my time and my worship. I give Him more than this, but He deserves so much more than what I could possibly give to Him. I strive to give Him a life of service and devotion. He is a great God, and He deserves worship and devotion. Many follow theirown instincts, traditions, and rituals … if not for God, then they give it gods, or they give it to worldly desires (such as streaming shows, sports, lusts of the flesh among many others). So if you are a Christian, be open about your religion. You believe in God, and you worship Him. There is no shame in admitting it.