A Definition Of Religion
The Online Etymology Dictionary http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=religion gives us this definition of religion:
“from L. religionem (nom. religio) “respect for what is sacred, reverence for the gods,” in L.L. “monastic life” (5c.); according to Cicero, derived from relegare “go through again, read again,” from re- “again” + legere “read” (see lecture). However, popular etymology among the later ancients (and many modern writers) connects it with religare “to bind fast, via notion of “place an obligation on,” or “bond between humans and gods.”
The apostle Paul must have understood the above definition, “to bind fast,” for he stated on several occasions to “hold fast” (1 Thess. 5:21; 2 Tim. 1:13; Titus 1:9). The Hebrew writer also motivates his readers to “hold fast” (Heb. 3:6; Heb. 4:14; Heb. 10:23).
Regarding the above definition of religion being a “bond between humans and gods,” Paul considered himself a “bondservant” (Gr. a “doulos” – Strongs 1401 – a slave to Christ (Romans 1:1 ASV), Christ being a member of the Godhead whose nature is that of deity.
