'Religion' in the Bible
For the religion of these people is worthless. They cut down a tree in the forest, and a craftsman makes it into an idol with his tools.
Rather they had several points of disagreement with him about their own religion and about a man named Jesus who was dead, whom Paul claimed to be alive.
They know, because they have known me from time past, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee.
And we all agree, our religion contains amazing revelation: He was revealed in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among Gentiles, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
They will maintain the outward appearance of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these.
If someone thinks he is religious yet does not bridle his tongue, and so deceives his heart, his religion is futile.
Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their misfortune and to keep oneself unstained by the world.