This noun covers the full range of religious observance, from sincere devotion to hollow ritual. Paul uses it of his former life in the strictest sect of Judaism (Acts 26:5), while James famously contrasts worthless θρησκεία — mere talk — with 'pure and undefiled religion' that cares for orphans and widows (Jas 1:26-27). Colossians 2:18 warns against a θρησκεία of angels, a deviant worship directed at intermediary beings. English 'religion,' Spanish 'religión/culto,' and French 'religion' all reflect the breadth: the word can be positive or negative depending on whether the worship is directed rightly and lived out authentically.