In this episode, Father Michael Trummer and Father Christopher Trummer take on the often-misunderstood topic of religion—a word that many Christians today regard with suspicion. They acknowledge that much of the criticism directed at “being religious” arises from real problems: hypocrisy, self-reliance, transactional love, and an overemphasis on outward appearances. Yet, rather than dismissing religion altogether, the hosts argue that it is a divine reality—instituted by God in the Old Testament, fulfilled and transformed by Christ, and sustained in the life of the Church. They invite listeners to recover a renewed understanding of religion as a virtue: a purified way of relating to God through ordered worship, teaching, and community. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:35 Words and Semantics 01:55 Religion vs. Relationship 04:52 Criticisms of Religious Practices 12:36 Self-Reliance and Striving in Faith 28:30 The Virtue of Religion 33:19 Forgotten Passages and Jesus' Jewish Roots 34:15 Old Testament Laws and Christian Practices 37:05 The Early Christian Worship and Eucharist 39:17 Development of Christian Liturgy 45:25 Authority and Hierarchy in the Church 52:58 The Role of Rituals and Symbols in Worship 01:01:42 Closing Thoughts and Prayer