Religiosity — What is it?

TL;DR:

Religiosity replaces a genuine relationship with God with external religious activities and rules, contrasting with true Christian faith that flows from a transformed heart.

Religiosity occurs when people emphasize religious activities and rules over a genuine relationship with God. Jesus frequently confronted this issue with the Pharisees, who prioritized external observances over heart transformation (Matthew 23:25–26). Scripture teaches that while spiritual disciplines and church involvement are valuable, they must flow from a heart transformed by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). The Bible warns against practicing righteousness to be seen by others (Matthew 6:1) and emphasizes that true faith produces genuine love for God and others. Our identity as God's children (John 1:12) should motivate our worship and service, not a desire for religious recognition or self-righteousness.

from the old testament

In Isaiah 29:13, God addresses religiosity directly: "This people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men." God wants our hearts, not empty religious observation.
In 1 Samuel 15:22, Samuel tells Saul, "Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice," again showing that God values heart obedience over religious ritual.
Amos 5:21–24 writes that God rejects Israel's religious festivals and offerings and instead calls for justice and righteousness: "I hate, I despise your feasts... But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream."

from the new testament

Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for being religious but missing the point and object of their religiosity: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness" (Matthew 23:23).
In Colossians 2:20–23, Paul warns against man-made religious rules: "These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion...but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh."
Galatians 5:6 emphasizes what matters: "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love."
Second Timothy 3:5 describes those "having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power” and warns against empty religious practice.

implications for today

Jesus strongly condemns and warns against religiosity. He wants our hearts and for us to understand His, not empty rituals, self-righteousness, or autonomous care for appearances. In Matthew 23:27–28, He condemns the scribes and Pharisees for these things: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” Awareness of religiosity should encourage us to examine our motivations for our actions, especially those related to ritualistic faith practices, and guard against substituting external practices for genuine faith. The gospel transforms us from rule-followers into beloved children of God, shifting our focus from religious performance to relationship. This truth frees us to serve God from love, rather than obligation, enjoying authentic fellowship with Him and others. When we recognize signs of religiosity in our lives—whether through judgmental attitudes, pride in our religious activities, or focusing on rules over relationships—we can return to the gospel's transforming message: God's grace makes us His children, and our service flows from that identity, rather than from trying to earn His favor.

understand

Religiosity emphasizes rituals over a genuine relationship with God.
The Bible warns against performing religious acts for recognition, rather than true devotion.
True faith produces love for God and others, not adherence to man-made rules.

reflect

How might you unintentionally be prioritizing religious activities over your relationship with God and love for others?
How can you ensure that your acts of worship and service come from a heart transformed by God's grace, rather than from a desire for recognition, self-righteousness, or autonomy?
What specific practices or attitudes might indicate signs of religiosity in your life, and how can you address them?

engage

How do Jesus's critiques of the Pharisees in Matthew 23 inform our understanding of what true faith should look like?
What role do spiritual disciplines play in our faith, and how can we practice them without falling into the trap of religiosity?
How can we cultivate a deeper relationship with God that focuses on love for Him and others, rather than ritualistic practices?