Religion is a prominent theme throughout the Bible, but it is not mentioned once. The word “religion” has its origins in the Latin word “religio”, which means “obligation,” “bond,” or “reverence”. The exact origin and meaning of the term are still debated among scholars, but it is generally believed to have derived from the verb “religare”, meaning “to bind” or “to connect,” or from “relegere”, meaning “to read again” or “to carefully consider.”
The term “religion” began to be used in English around AD 1200 to describe a state of life bound by monastic vows, and by AD 1300, it had come to mean a particular system of faith in the worship of a divine being or beings. It is typically described through the lens of faith, beliefs, and ritual practices rather than labeled with the term “religion.”
The likely reason the Bible does not use the words related to religion is due to its focus on people’s relationship with God, the history of the Israelites in the Old Testament, and the teachings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. The Bible stories emphasize the importance of faith, morality, and divine laws. It contains numerous books that highlight worship practices, rituals, and commandments meant to guide followers in their spiritual journey. All of which relies on the person’s faith in God.
In the Bible, Jesus uses the word Ekklesia (ἐκκλησία), a Greek word means “assembly” or “gathering” and is often translated as “church” in the New Testament. It refers to a community of believers in Jesus, who are called out from the world to come together for worship, fellowship, and mutual support.
While “ekklesia” and “synagoge” are related concepts, they are not the same word and have distinct meanings and origins.
Synagoge (συναγωγή), is a Greek word used throughout the Bible, it also means “assembly” or “gathering” and is translated as “synagogue.” In Jewish tradition, a synagogue is a “place” of worship, study, and community gathering. It serves as the central hub for Jewish faith life and practices.
While both terms refer to assemblies or gatherings, “ekklesia” is predominantly used in the context of communities of Christian people, whereas “synagoge” is used in the context of a Jewish building or location.
In essence, the Bible is a religious text designed to strengthen and guide one’s faith. It conveys religious principles through stories, parables, laws, prophecies, and teachings rather than using the abstract label “religion.”.
If this is my last post, I want all to know there was only one purpose for all that I have written; to have made a positive difference in the lives of others.
Anthony “Tony” Boquet, the author of “The Bloodline of Wisdom, The Awakening of a Modern Solutionary”