Religion's what we think the Bible teaches,
 Religion's what the preacher preaches,
Religion's what we believe with all our might;
 But our religion's not always right?

Religion may get you past the preacher,
 It may get you past the teacher,
Religion may get you on the church honor roll;
 But, religion alone won't satisfy your soul!

Religion may help you love your neighbor;
 But it won't help when Satan rattles his saber,
Religion may help you wear a big grin;
 But, you'll not wear it to Heaven, or wear it in!

Religion,  plain and simple, without Jesus Christ
 Won't get your name in the Book of Life,
Now, religion's fine if based on the Word,
 But, many believe whatever they've heard!

Jesus left His church the Great Commission
 It's up to us to see to it's completion,
When religion's preached with proper Grace
 With God's help, it will find a lodging place!

When religion draws instead of drives
 Soul's will repent and churches will thrive,
When the Bible's the center and Jesus' the end,
The religion between's all right, my friend!

Religion's not the church; but what's preached to the people
 It's what's there to lift hearts above the steeple,
Jesus came to redeem, say's the Salvation Story;
 Religion's all right if it gives God the Glory!
 

                                             Carl L Hempen, 1979