What did Paul mean by 'religious dung'?

Paul, in Philippians 3:8, reflects on his prior zeal for the law and his subsequent realization that all human accomplishments and adherence to legalism are worthless compared to the knowledge of Christ. He describes these as 'dung' to emphasize the futility of relying on religious observance for salvation. This stark analogy serves to warn believers about the dangers of returning to a legalistic mindset. The true value lies in faith in Christ alone and the righteousness that He provides, illustrating the contrast between the empty nature of religious deeds and the richness of grace.