Religion Is Relevant

Some schools of thought would draw a distinction between faith and religion in such a way that faith refers to the personal act of belief in God whereas religion refers to the various ways in which we live out our committed obedient relationship with God.

While this distinction may be disputed and the definitions superficial, the clarification of terms can help us better understand why faith always needs to be expressed in religion and why religion without faith can become burdensome.

Living out our relationship with God in visible ways is necessary and always relevant. Religions can and should update certain modes of expression without diminishing or altering the core content of their faith (professed truths).

Practices of religion can even help form habits of prayer, virtue and a disposition for faith in those being initiated or who do not yet believe.

Religion benefits both the believer and the inquirer.