Roman Catholic Beliefs- Part 20- Is it religion that we need?

Part 20 of "Cathechism Chat"

Jesus said, "Search the scriptures, for you think in them to have life everlasting; and the same are they that give testimony of me. And you will not come to me that you may have life."
(John 5:39,40; Douay Version)

I'll be speaking on the subject of religion from "The Catechism For Adults" by Rev.(?) William J. Cogan. On Lesson 1, pg. 6, question 1 says:
"1. What is the purpose of these lessons?
(Ans.) To help supply what is missing in the lives of so many people- the knowledge and practice of true religion.
"The mind of the intelligent man seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feed on folly" [Prov. 15:14]

But in reality, what is really missing in our lives isn't knowledge and practice of anything, it's a relationship that we truly crave and we have tried to replace a much needed relationship with religion with its do's and don'ts. It will never ultimately satisfy only Jesus can. That is the main reason he came and died for our sins to bring us back in touch, communion with God and he rose from the dead to prove that he could. John 1:12 says, "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:"

Now question 2,
"2. Why is religion the most important study you can take up?
(Ans.) Because religion leads to friendship with God now and forever, and there is nothing more valuable or more important than this. "What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but suffers the loss of his own soul?" [Matthew 16:26]
"You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." [John 8:32]

I just shared with you in question 1 by using John 1:12 that it isn't religion that we need but a relationship and that relationship causes us to be friends with God. Check John 15:12-17. He proved that he counts us as his friends by laying down his life for us. Now for that friendship to be mutual we will be obeying his commands because when we are born of God, he comes into our lives and gives us the strength to live for him. (Check II Cor. 5:17-21, Rom. 5:6-10) They used John 8:32 under their answer to question 2 and commenting on that. The truth does make us free and the embodiment of truth was in Christ Jesus and by the time you get to John 8:36, it says: "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."

The Son makes us free through his word but you must first know the Son to experience the freedom that his holy word offers. You must know him personally, know the truth Incarnate to be able to truly live in truth. He came in human flesh so that you might know him personally as your Lord and Saviour. He desires to give you the best life possible. John 10:10 says, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
Jesus came that we might have life, the highest life possible. Praise his holy name.

Question 3 says:
3. What is religion?
(Ans.) A.) Acknowledging God by faith in Him and believing everything that He has told the human race.
B.) Loving God with a whole hearted love.
C.) Glorifying God by doing his will as Christ taught us by His words and example.
"Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." [James 1:22]

Yet the Bible tells me that pure religion is feeding the fatherless and the widows in their affliction, and keeping himself unspotted from the world. (Check James 1:27]

Many who tell me that they are practicing true religion aren't feeding the fatherless and the widows much less keeping themselves unspotted from the world.

In closing, even though born-again Christians should be walking in true religion, that isn't what saves- Jesus does and he will help us to obey him as we submit to him and resist the devil. Check James 4:7.

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