Greetings Dear Reader,
Often when people discover that I am a “man of faith” they
will say that they are not “religious”. It
is usually the intent to dismiss a conversation that has turned to matters of
faith. I usually respond with the
reminder that I am a man of faith and not religious either.
I am wrong. I am a
religious person. At least I strive to
be according to the definition of religion set forth by Jesus brother, James: “Those
who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their
tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God
our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and
widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
If I seek to guard my words, aide the widows and orphans of
our era, and keep my life set apart to Christ then I am practicing what would
be considered true religion. Words have
meaning and it is not good for me to allow this word to be diverted from its
true purpose.
If one says that they are not “religious” are they claiming
to not guard their words, not care for the needs of widows and orphans of our
day (we will talk further of this tomorrow), and be in agreement with all
things secular? I do not think so. I do, however, believe that I must not let this
word go the way of others that belong to faith and following.
I must be religious but not in the way that word communicates
to most people. I must be a man of faith
and following. I must live the faith and
religion that God the Father accepts. If you tell me that you are not religious to
divert me, I may ask you what you mean by that.
It matters. I will not, however,
be unkind about it.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer
who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home
owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure
store.”
(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Posts
The work "religious" has so many connotations. I look forward to exploring some of the points you mentioned in tomorrow's blog. I would personally say that I'm not a religious person. As I do not follow the religious constructs of the church or the dogma associated with religion. The Christian standard of religion... I cut my hair, I wear pants, I have tattoos if some one asked me if I was religious. I would say no. However now different view of the word religious. I look forward to more of this
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