King James Bible
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."
James defines authentic faith not by rituals or doctrines but by practical holiness that meets God's standard. The terms 'pure' and 'undefiled' emphasize moral integrity, while 'before God and the Father' grounds religious practice in divine rather than human approval. True religion actively cares for society's most vulnerable—orphans and widows who lacked legal protection and economic support in the ancient world. 'Visit' implies ongoing personal involvement, not mere charity, reflecting God's own compassion for the marginalized. Genuine faith also requires moral separation from worldly values and corrupting influences. This personal holiness complements social action, showing that pure religion integrates both outward service and inward purity.