According to the prophet Amos, true religion consists in purity of heart and righteousness. Amos criticized the Israelites for their insincere and superficial religious practices, such as attending church services, making contributions towards all church programmes, and fasting and making sacrifices to God, while neglecting justice and mercy towards others. He emphasized the importance of living a life of integrity, seeking justice for the oppressed and downtrodden, and showing compassion and kindness to others. Therefore, true religion according to Amos is not about external rituals and practices, but rather about the inward attitude of the heart and the way one treats others.