Hello @peldom10
So sorry, this is going to be a very long definition but, I do think it is necessary.
Consider the Pharisees... full of God's Word - The Torah, Seed of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, circumcised, living in Jerusalem, going in and out of the Temple, in covenant with God according to the Law of Moses yet.... FULL OF PRIDE.
In the Day of Visitation, they rejected Jesus Christ face to face - basically, looked GOD right in the eye and rejected Him and His Lamb their Messiah - The ONLY ONE that could take ALL their sin away.
The Pharisees could not recognize Jesus Christ because they were spiritually blind and deaf because of PRIDE.
A religious spirit will operate in a person that is full of Bible knowledge and other religions that they have received from their human reasoning and commentaries, and man, and even devils- lying spirits but, were not taught the scriptures by the Holy Spirit. (Note: Every preacher and commentary must be checked with the Holy Spirit)
They will do all kinds of "religious works" and boast about them and condemn others for not doing the same "religious works" that they do. They exalt themselves and boast that they are better than others....
Luke 18:9-14
King James Version
9 And he (Jesus) spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
They create all kinds of denominations and doctrines which creates division in the Body of Christ and lead others away from the Truth of Jesus Christ and His Gift of Salvation for us and the Father's Promise of the Holy Spirit that will lead us and guide us into ALL Truth.
They put their followers under all kinds of "religious works" that they must do to maintain salvation or be "good enough" to be saved and go to heaven and be accepted by God. It's absolutely horrible and so NOT God.
They just go on and on about all their seminary degrees and years of studying the scriptures, and all their different languages they speak especially Greek and Hebrew... "works, works, works"..."blah, blah, blah"
yet, they say NOTHING about how wonderful God is and how AMAZING God's LOVE is, how INCREDIBLE and LIFEGIVING His Word is...and how AWESOME fellowshipping with God is, how NOTHING compares to knowing and loving God, encouraging others to encounter their own relationship with Jesus Christ....
To be free from such a demonic prideful religious spirit, just simply humble oneself, repent of pride and trusting in works, call on the Name of Jesus Christ and ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit. God will resist the proud but give grace to the humble.
I hope this helped! Much love to you for asking your question!