Defining Religion...

...seems like an nigh impossibility. There are vast amounts of differing ideas and opinions when it comes to putting words to the term. If you asked an average Joe Blow off the street what religion means, the typical response would probably be something like: a system of beliefs involving the supernatural. The dilemma with this definition is that it is not inclusive of all major religions; belief structures such as Buddhism, Taoism, or Confusianism do not believe in a supernatural diety. That is why I was excited when I stumbled across this definition taken from Reason and Religious Belief: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion (Peterson, Hasker, Reichenbach, and Basinger, 1991) found in Clergy in the Classroom (David Noebel). Here's how they define it:

"A set of beliefs, actions, and emotions, both personal and corporate, organized around the concept of an Ultimate Reality. This Reality may be understood as a unity or plurality, personal or nonpersonal, divine or not, and so forth, differing from religion to religion."

An cooresponding, and perhaps simpler definition can be found in Tim Keller's, The Reason for God:

"It is a set of beliefs that explain what life is all about, who we are, and the most important things that human beings should spend their time doing."

Defining religion is important, especially when interacting with people who believe they hold a nonreligious viewpoint. Who knows, you may be able to persuade them that their worldview is more religious that they realize.

Thank you, Susan Hunt

Numerous rave reviews of Susan Hunt’s The True Woman persuaded me to delve into this book. To be quite honest, the title intimidated me at first; I was convinced it was either spiritual fluff or hyper-feminist. Thankfully, my first impression proved to be as incorrect as considering a rose to be a rodent. Not three chapters into it, I have already been immensely blessed by Susan’s message. I wanted to share with you a small bit which encouraged me today amidst a few set-backs I encountered. She’s discussing the sovereignty of God and provides an amazing and practical quotation from John Calvin:

…he has surely benefited greatly who has so learned to meditate upon God’s providence that he can always recall his mind to this point: the Lord has willed it; therefore it must be borne, not only because one may not contend against it, but also because he wills nothing but what is just and expedient.

It’s refreshing to know that God is ultimately behind all that befalls us, whether significant or trivial. Frankly, I feel incredibly naïve writing about such topics when the daily trials I run into definitely fall into the trivial category, and others endure hardships I can’t even imagine. But one thing I know, God’s sovereignty will steadfastly remain when times are easy and when times are tough, and I hope by God’s grace to have this bedrock assurance planted now so that when I encounter more significant trials, it will be sure for me to fall back upon. Yet even now, knowing that God is in control of my circumstances and hides his smiling face behind a frowning providence is wonderfully freeing; it sets me back on track and provides the inspiration needed to keep me running this race. I am exceedingly thankful for authors such as Hunt who boldly proclaim the truth in their writings. Praise be to God for his blessed control over all creation.