“Give me that old time religion, give
me that old time religion, give me that . . .”
Ahh, the good old days! I can still remember
the times, when I was growing up, hearing the
adults at church talking about different people
who "got religion" after praying with the
pastor. When a person “got religion” it signified that
something good had happened. Their life changed
for the better. Marriages were mended. Spousal
abuse stopped. The list goes on.
According to my dictionary, the definition of
religion is: Something one believes in and
follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics
or conscience. And the definition of “get
religion” is: to acquire a deep conviction
of the validity of religious beliefs and
practices and to resolve to mend one’s errant
ways.
“It was good for our mothers... It was
good for our mothers...It was good for our
mothers…It's good enough for me…”
I can still remember when my mom “got
religion.” She was a changed person. She went
about her housework singing hymns or whistling
as she turned the crank on the old wringer
washing machine. There was such a change in her
demeanor that even my alcoholic father remarked
on it.
“It will make us shout the
victory...It will make us shout the victory...It
will make us shout the victory...”
There are some who say religion is dead.
My husband and I used to attend a church where
the pastor repeatedly stated that religion is
dead. While I understood the context of
his statement, I think he was mistaken in his
usage of this expression of faith.
I can’t speak for anyone else. My
religion means everything to me. My religion and
my religious experience are intertwined. It is my daily walk
with my Saviour and a meaningful relationship
that goes to the core of my being. My religion
is not dead. It is alive and well!
I
remember when I got religion. I still
have it.
“Give me that old time religion... Give me
that old time religion... Give me that old time
religion... It's good enough for me...”
