'religionist' as often appears in BBT books seems to be a misuse

[Guest guest]

> One addicted or attached to religion; one imbued with, or zealous

>for, religion. Sometimes in bad sense, a religious zealot or

>pretender. Also, one professionally occupied with religion; a

>minister or preacher.

 

The OED defines the word thus:

 

"One addicted or attached to religion; one imbued with, or zealous

for, religion. Sometimes in bad sense, a religious zealot or

pretender. Also, one professionally occupied with religion; a minister

or preacher."

 

It seems that Srila Prabhupada's usage falls within this definition.

Other devotee writers, of course, might prefer to avoid the word.