This Sunday I made a superficial attempt to rehabilitate the words “religion” and “religious” from their negative connotations. I say superficial because what I actually wanted to do is to remind all of us what “true” religion actually is. James has some very explicit instructions about how we are to behave and a counter-cultural definition of true religion.
Knox Presbyterian Religion or true religion?
St. Mark’s Presbyterian Religion or true religion?
One of the things I hope I managed to communicate is that James’ definition of true religion, i.e. caring for widows and orphans and being unpolluted by the world, is not intended to limit our care to only widows and orphans but rather widows and orphans are a symbol of everyone who needs the care that we are uniquely able to provide.
Blessings,
- Date: September 2, 2012
- Liturgical Sunday: Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
- RCL Scripture: Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9; Song of Solomon 2:8:13; James 2:17-27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-13
- Sermon Title: Religion or true religion?
PS As always if you want downloadable versions of these sermons click here
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