Why Religion Gets a Bad Reputation & What Faith Really Means

I don’t know about you, but I prefer to remember my deceased loved ones the way they were when they were vibrantly full of life and laughter.

Similarly, I prefer to fix my eyes on the living Jesus Christ, not the graven image of a crucifix hanging on the wall of an ornate cathedral.

Many believers of the Christian faith celebrate the Easter holiday, proclaiming “Hallelujah, He is risen!” referring to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Some prepare by observing Holy Week or perhaps even an entire 40 days of Lent leading up to Easter Sunday, a date which rotates on a calendar from year to year according to some formula I am admittedly ignorant about.

Honestly, there is a lot I don’t understand about religion. And when I claim many of us have negative associations with the word and the concept in the title of this story, I include myself in that.

When I read about what Jesus had to say and do to the Scribes and the Pharisees who attempted to catch him violating one of their laws, it proves the fact that they clearly felt threatened by his power and presence.

It reminds me of all the people who verbally attempt to place God in a proverbial box by spewing what they believe God does or does not do based on a chosen narrative they have created in their own heads.

How dare you.

Prayer: God, please help me set aside everything I think I know about YOU and myself and listen to what YOU want me to know about YOU and who YOU created me to be. May I not presume to know more about YOU than YOU, going around telling others how they’ve got it all wrong like one of the brood of vipers (Matthew 12:34, 23:33), trying to control the cultural narrative for everyone else. May I instead be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16) following Your Beloved Son’s perfect example as The Light of the world (John 8:12). May I demonstrate pure JOY through trials as James suggests through these translated words…

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. (James 1:2–8 NIV)

Help me be still (Psalm 46:10) and hear your still small voice (1 Kings 19:11–13) aligning the desires of my heart (Psalm 37:4) with your own, Heavenly Father of Lights (James 1:17) who gives the best gifts ever!

Thank you for reminding me that YOU are the ultimate Just Judge (1 Corinthians 4:3–5, Matthew 7:1) and that it is not my place to condemn others for their sins. Yes, I know I typed the words “How dare you” above regarding a personal pet peeve of mine. But here YOU are once again, gently reminding me that YOU are quite capable of defending Yourself and proving Your absolute sovereignty without me.

Grateful in the knowledge I can continue this conversation with you throughout the rest of this day and night, praying without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) with thanksgiving forevermore.

In Jesus Name, Amen

Why Viewings Are Not For Me

I don’t know about you, but I prefer to remember my deceased loved ones the way they were when they were vibrantly full of life and laughter.

Rather than worshipping an idol (Exodus 20:4) of a crucifix this Easter, I will sing praises to the risen living Savior Jesus Christ. But I will not judge you for how you choose to spend your time this coming weekend, because that is not my place.

I would like to make one more point before wrapping this up. For me, Easter and Christmas are simply two more days out of the year to be in awe of God. This relationship (not religion) takes place for me 365 days a year to infinity and beyond. I am not at all trying to push my practices on you. I am merely sharing my truth. Thank you for reading (listening).

© 2026 Nora Gwen. Want more content like this? Explore more articles in Rethinking Doctrine.