James 1:27 "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the...widows in their affliction..."
What is often observed are religious goals that are focused on observance of trivia. Dogmatic rules dictating dress codes, forms of prayer, and ritualistic observance. What of the love and support of the downtrodden? Where is the true service to those in need?
Many religious cultures seem to become bogged down in bureaucratic and legalistic minutia when humankind and the religious organizations themselves would be better served by sticking to the basics. Everyone, including me, has his or her own pet beliefs and these beliefs affect the surrounding culture in either positive or negative ways.
