A lot of trees have died with authors attempting to explain what “true” religion “ought” to be. Rarely do we hear a succinct and powerful description, but James delivers. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, according to James, is this: “to care for the orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” It is time we take these words to heart. Our religion is only as pure as our ability to care for those who are need of care.