Yes, the Bible consistently uses the term 'religion' in a negative sense.
According to the evidence, religion is not associated with anything positive in Scripture. Les Feldick emphasizes that the word 'religion' in the Bible always points to man's futile efforts to reach God, not God's gracious reaching down to humanity. He makes a clear distinction: 'This book never uses the term religion in a good way. Never. Religion is a bad word according to this book.'
Galatians 1:13-14 — Paul refers to his former life as 'the Jews' religion,' placing the term in a negative context of his own past persecution of the church.
The Bible itself never speaks of 'religion' in a positive light. The Apostle Paul uses the term to describe his former manner of life, which he later repented of. In Galatians 1, Paul speaks of how he 'profited in the Jews' religion above many [his] equals,' but this was his life of persecution against the church, not a relationship with God.
Les Feldick teaches that religion is always man's attempt to reach and merit favor with God. He gives examples from Adam and Eve's fig leaves to Paul's life as a religious Jew who hated Jesus. He emphasizes that religion is never Christianity; Christianity is God reaching down in mercy and grace. Religion prompts hatred, precipitates war, and leads people down the dark path of legalism. Meanwhile, the Bible is unique as a book that prophesies the future, something no other religious book can do. Ultimately, he states that religion is a 'bad word' according to the Bible.
Les Feldick makes a strong distinction between religion and Christianity. Religion is man's attempt to please God from the human side, while Christianity is God reaching down in mercy to a lost human race. He says religion never does that; it always tries to climb up to God, whereas Christianity starts with God's grace.
According to Les, religion has consistently negative outcomes. It prompts hatred (as seen in Paul's persecution of the church), precipitates war (like the conflicts in Yugoslavia), and forces religionists to try to kill those who disagree with them. He notes that most world conflicts have been precipitated by religionists.
Les Feldick teaches that denominations are made up of human beings and can be wrong when they don't line up with the Book. He shares an anecdote about a woman who prioritized her church's teaching over the Bible, and he insisted that the Creator God's Word takes precedence. He warns that people will be judged according to the Bible, not their denomination.
Religion Corrupts its Leaders
Les describes how religious leaders like Caiaphas lived sumptuously, feeding off the income of religion, showing corruption in religious systems.
Religion is Man's Attempt to Reach God
Les defines religion as man's attempt to merit favor with God, using Adam and Eve's fig leaves as the primal example.
Christianity is Not a Religion
Les contrasts religion, which prompts hatred and war, with Christianity, which is God reaching down in grace. He notes Paul was saved out of the Jews' religion.
The Bible is Unique among Religious Books
Les notes that while he doesn't equate Christianity with religion, the Bible stands above all other religious books because it alone prophesies the future accurately.
Religion and World Conflict
Les points out that most world conflicts are precipitated by religionists trying to force others under their thumb, as seen in historical and modern conflicts.
Denominations vs. the Bible
Les teaches that denominations are human institutions, but the Bible is the Creator God speaking, and that is what matters.
Religion is a Bad Word
Les Feldick makes the definitive point that the Bible never uses the term 'religion' in a good way, calling it a 'bad word' that describes those who hate the truth.
Judged by the Book, Not Denominations
Les emphasizes that we will be judged by what the Bible says, not by our loyalty to any denomination.
Galatians 1:13-14: For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
Paul uses 'religion' to describe his former life of persecuting the church, showing the term's negative biblical connotation.
Proverbs 14:12: There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Les references this idea to show that man's religious attempts can seem right but lead to death, highlighting the futility of religion.
No. Les Feldick consistently teaches that Christianity is not a religion. He says religion is man's attempt to reach up to God, while Christianity is God reaching down to humanity in grace and mercy.
According to Les Feldick, the Bible never uses the term 'religion' in a good way. He states, 'Never. Religion is a bad word according to this book.'
Les teaches that religion prompts hatred, precipitates war, leads to legalism, and causes religionists to try to kill their enemies. He points to Paul's persecution of the church as a prime example.
Watch the Teaching: Why Paul Persecuted the Early Church — Galatians Chapter 1