True Religion and Self Deception

Scripture: Song of Solomon 2:8-13 and Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9  • Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9 and Psalm 15  • James 1:17-27  • Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

We return to Mark's gospel after five weeks of study of "I am the bread of life" sayings in the gospel of John. Perhaps fittingly, "food" provides a perfect back-drop for another of Jesus' teachings. Jesus teaches us about "true religion" as opposed to "worship in vain." What does Jesus mean when he says it is not the things coming in from outside, but that from within which defiles? What does he say about the "purity laws," and "tradition"? Is this contradictory to God's commands to keep the commandments of the Lord your God, and not to add or subtract anything to or from them.

James, the brother of Jesus, gives us a lesson on faith, and true religion when he says "Be you doers of the word, not merely hearers who deceive themselves." From this, what is "true religion," "real faith?" What about ritual, commandments, and tradition? Read Dan Clendenin's "Jesus and James: "Vain Worship" and "True Religion."

We have also considered the "presence of God," in our bread of life readings. How does this week's scripture relate to the presence of God? See Jane Anne Ferguson's "Practicing Presence."

How can we keep from deceiving ourselves in our worship, our work, and our relationships?