Believe it or not these are two different things all together.
Per Merriam-Webster a religion is defined as:
The belief in a god or in a group of gods.
An organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods.
An interest, a belief, or an activity that is very important to a person or group.
Belief is define as:
A feeling of being sure that someone or something exists or that something is true
A feeling that something is good, right, or valuable
A feeling of trust in the worth or ability of someone
Now I do admit that in the definition of “religion” it does state “belief,” but here is my point. Religions, especially in today’s society for the most part have left the “belief” out of it.
They maintain the organization, the ceremonies and the rules, but there is no belief, no faith involved with any of this. They go through the motions. Singing the songs, saying the prayers, passing the offer plate around to get the money, and that is it. In their eyes your service is done and you are good to go.
That has absolutely nothing to do with “belief.” There is no need for faith, there is no need to as the definition goes “a feeling of being sure that someone or something exists or that something is true.”
That something is God, His Son the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
In religion they mouth the words, but they still feel empty. They seek out some sense of being, of security. Since they never find it in religion they seek for it in the world. They seek it in sports, gambling, sex, alcohol and drugs. Very few truly find the faith, the belief and even those that do loss their way because they do not know where to turn or where to go. Then they too return to the world. This is what today’s religions give to the world.
This is why fewer and fewer go to churches. Because the only thing in these churches is religion and that is it.
Sure there is some social interaction, but most of these start to develop into little groups within the church. Within these groups is gossips and other types of behavior that is not welcome in true belief and understanding of the Bible. Topics like the latest sports, reality TV, and plans for later that day. This is the actions of a social club, not honoring the Creator of the universe. This is the core of religion.
Now per the Bible we are instructed to gather together to give support in our faith and belief journey. This is done by discussing issues that have affected us throughout the week. Stories of trials and tribulation and the support that is needed to strengthen and encourage us as we face these dilemmas. This is how believers were meant to gather to address these situations. In addition they are to gather to learn the Bible and to edify God and His Son. There is some aspects of this in some religions but when before and after this is done the other aspects mentioned above have more precedence than what you just heard and learned about God. Then God is not the core of their existence. This is against the greatest commandment, which is to love God with all your heart, mind and soul.
This is the core of belief, however it is something no longer present in religious organization. The core of religion is money.
Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”
This however is the goal of religion. To get your tail in the pew and get you to tithe. A tithe that is used more for the person on the dais than for God.
Religions use the lie of God to take your money.
While faith and belief in God promise you eternal life.
In fact the Bible makes it clear that we are not to seek our rewards upon this earth but in the eternal life that is to come. A life that will last billions upon billions of years.