What is religion according to this teaching?

Les explains that religion is used in a bad sense. Paul in Galatians spoke of having practiced the Jewish religion more strongly than his peers, but it was just a religion; at that time he knew nothing of a relationship with God. Les says religion, whether the one already mentioned or Buddhism or Hinduism or anything else, is man's attempt to somehow reach and merit favor with God. Just like Proverbs says, man says, well, if I do this, then certainly God will be pleased. Adam and Eve thought that when they sowed fig leaves; it was an act of religion, as if covering their nakedness would make God accept them. True Christianity, a real salvation experience, is exactly the opposite: it is God reaching down to unworthy, sinful man. All the religions of the world attempt to merit favor with God; they may be good as far as they go, but they can never merit favor with God. The proper point of view is what God has done for man, and when we see that, we have the battle won. Les then returns to Genesis, where they sowed fig leaves and covered their physical nakedness.