Is there such a thing as “pure religion”?
In a recent meeting with someone who believes in the purity of science, I started to think and ask questions about the purity of religion.
My conclusions shocked even my own ideology. Strictly speaking nothing on Earth can be pure. There is probably not a single drop of pure water on Earth. There is not a breath of pure air on Earth or an ounce of pure gold.
Everything has impurities or pollutants. Science, religion and, yes, politics never can be pure because of the influence of impure humans. We pollute water, air and, yes, religion.
So the conclusion at a quick glance is simple, there is no pure religion, or is there?
Suddenly a single verse from a very old book comes to mind. On the subject of purity, the Bible makes one bold statement that is worth a thought.
“What God the Father considers to be pure and genuine religion is this: to take care of orphans and widows in their suffering and to keep oneself from being corrupted by the world.” (James 1:27.)
Let’s make it our ambition to be more pure.
