Relationship or Religion
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It seems that, as of late, I have come heard a lot of people stressing that Christianity is a relationship and not a religion. I understand what they are saying, but I feel that, in an effort to criticize “dead religion” they have gone to far.
I believe that it is important to stress that Christianity is a religion. Fundamentalism was based on doctrine, and religion is about doctrine. When people stress that Christianity is not a religion, I believe that it opens people up to being swayed by the postmodern teachings of the emergent church which de-emphasizes doctrine.
When asked whether Christianity is a religion or a relationship, I answer “both.” Yes, there are a lot of people out there whose religion is dead, but that does not mean that we should go so far as to deny that Christianity is a religion.
Maybe I am overreacting. Any thoughts?
I believe that it is important to stress that Christianity is a religion. Fundamentalism was based on doctrine, and religion is about doctrine. When people stress that Christianity is not a religion, I believe that it opens people up to being swayed by the postmodern teachings of the emergent church which de-emphasizes doctrine.
When asked whether Christianity is a religion or a relationship, I answer “both.” Yes, there are a lot of people out there whose religion is dead, but that does not mean that we should go so far as to deny that Christianity is a religion.
Maybe I am overreacting. Any thoughts?
- 2 views
The hesitancy to use the term “religion” is mostly likely derived from the fear of equivocating the purpose of Christianity vs the purpose of other religions. Other religions are based in human righteousness to some degree and Christianity based, not in part but in whole, on the merit’s of our Lord imputed to us.
You have a very good point, however, and the fact is when someone reduces the meaning of the word “religion” to obscure its true value in fear of one element of its meaning being elevated beyond all other parts of its definition (thereby not elevating Christianity’s distinction as some might believe) then its effective use ends up just where you are observing it is for many, a place where the employment of the word “religion” is immodestly denied its legitimate use.
Now, it might be sincere hearts are motivated by wanting, often, to identify the distinction of Christianity and that is fine but denying it IS a religion isn’t valid, it is. It is a relationship to be sure but our relationship has a definite religious protocol established by God himself. One might most effectively say, “My religion is Christianity and it is based in my relationship with God through our Lord, Jesus.”
You have a very good point, however, and the fact is when someone reduces the meaning of the word “religion” to obscure its true value in fear of one element of its meaning being elevated beyond all other parts of its definition (thereby not elevating Christianity’s distinction as some might believe) then its effective use ends up just where you are observing it is for many, a place where the employment of the word “religion” is immodestly denied its legitimate use.
Now, it might be sincere hearts are motivated by wanting, often, to identify the distinction of Christianity and that is fine but denying it IS a religion isn’t valid, it is. It is a relationship to be sure but our relationship has a definite religious protocol established by God himself. One might most effectively say, “My religion is Christianity and it is based in my relationship with God through our Lord, Jesus.”
My religion is Christianity and it is based in my relationship with God through our Lord, Jesus.I would agree with this.
My take on the “why” some people are more apt to call Christianity a relationship has to do with the fact that there are so many people who claim a “religion” without it being something that directly affects how they live. I can definitely see the advantage in making the distinction of Christianity being personal — which is what I see the qualifier “relationship” granting.
I agree with the original posters statement. I will say that this whole “Christianity is a relationship not a religion” has actually been around for some time now. It seems to be losing steam. Those who insist on continuing to use it, not only say Christianity is not a religion, but they say things like “I hate religion,” “I don’t want a shred of religion in my life.”
Some individuals say things like this to try to win over unbelievers who have grown wary of religion, but it has become counter-effective. First, unbelievers know Christianity is a religion, and saying that it is not doesn’t do anything to help us. Also, religion is making a comeback, and the word doesn’t have the same negative overtones it once had.
Christianity is very different from any other religions. The fact that it is about personal relationship with God is one of it’s marked differences. I often emphasis that Christianity is not merely a religion, but a relationship with Jesus Christ. To be afraid to use the word “religion” is going against the biblical testimony (James 1:26-27)
Some individuals say things like this to try to win over unbelievers who have grown wary of religion, but it has become counter-effective. First, unbelievers know Christianity is a religion, and saying that it is not doesn’t do anything to help us. Also, religion is making a comeback, and the word doesn’t have the same negative overtones it once had.
Christianity is very different from any other religions. The fact that it is about personal relationship with God is one of it’s marked differences. I often emphasis that Christianity is not merely a religion, but a relationship with Jesus Christ. To be afraid to use the word “religion” is going against the biblical testimony (James 1:26-27)
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