Bieber denies canelation of this world tour has anything to with religion

The Canadian singer is publicly denying religion played a role in him abruptly pulling the plug on his Purpose tour with just 14 shows to go.

Bieber was grabbing lunch Tuesday in Bev Hills when a pap asked about the sudden decision to quit. Justin seemed perplexed at the suggestion it had anything to do with his spirituality.

As reported earlier by TMZ ... multiples sources connected with Hillsong Church, which Justin attends regularly, say he absolutely canceled the tour because he's "become a born again christain."

Bieber claims he already told us what's wrong ... when he said he only needed a time out after some years on the road.