In his sermon on James 1:22-27, Lutheran preacher Edmund Steimle says much that passes for religion is a cheap substitute. Preachers who go after sin with a passion can make people “feel” good. It’s a morbid kind of emotionalism far removed from true Christianity. There are also those who follow the teachings of Christ but are not sure whether or not they believe in God. They are “do-gooders.” It’s religion cut off from its roots. The Christian religion is far more than a set of principles for living.