This post was going to be a long vehement argument against the phrase "Christianity is not a religion, it's a relationship". I was going to define the word religion, and show that Christianity is indeed a religion no matter what the person at the pulpit or beside you may say.
I was going to go on and on, saying things like...
"They tell you to be not of the world, but they're preaching an understanding of religion that is of the world" and...
"Religion isn't just rituals. Religion isn't just rules. Religion isn't dry and musty. Religion is your beliefs, your worldview, your principles, your choice-making-system" and...
"Christianity isn't just a relationship, it's a religion! And your religion should be everything to you, because your religion is your life."
.
.
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But yeah. I got lazy and so, you have these bunch of random thoughts.
If you actually want to know more, ask.
5 comments:
ya but you know Jared. sometimes I think you're arguing the meanings of terms that are defined by certain belief systems/ culture/history/society. I mean the word religion has negative connotations for many people. perhaps it is too presumptious to say they are preaching an understanding of religion that is of the world, because it's from the Bible. and I think the word "world" also has to discussed and defined. because Jesus came to this world. I think when people say be not of the world it means the worlds values. you not IN BUT NOT OF THE WORLD. anyway. I feel like you're not giving full credit to the word relationship.
after we are to commune with God.
anyway I see what you're saying from your random thoughts. I just don't think it's a point that needs to be argued. because for the simple people of 3rd world countries and such. I think the word religion/relationship might very well be interchangeable. :D the church functions to serve its environment. and unfortunately the larger mass does see religion as old musty and rules.
OK I've really babbled on. was in the mood to comment!
yeah at first it does seem almost purely semantic..
the thing is i feel it's a cheap lie to make christianity seem more attractive. i feel like the church isn't giving full credit to the word Religion...
because christianity is a relationship, true, but it is also SO MUCH MORE than that.
instead of trying to make it less than it is, downplaying it's importance, saying it's just a relationship, I feel that we should admit that our faith is a religion, and we should show people that it isn't dry and musty.
We show them that it isn't dry and musty through our actions, instead of trying to avoid the dry and musty tags by throwing away the word religion.
I babble on too.
I think that religion of often connoted to rituals. And in church, when we are said to be too religious, we are considered 'ritualistic' in a sense where we are too focused on religious activities and not the essence of religion.
That's probably why we emphasise that fact that Christianity is not a religion, but a relationship. On the contrary, I do agree with you, that Christianity has elements of both.
Perhaps, a better phrase that should be used is 'Christianity is not JUST a religion, it is a relationship, and that is the vital element that distinguishes us from other religions'.
aah Michelle, but the thing is, why are we trying to separate Christianity from other religions? Every religion is different.
I think it's a lot more important to separate our relationship with God from other relationships. Because it's not the same! Why do we say we should put God first in our lives, when God should be the center of our lives?
God isn't some relative or friend to visit, some ordinary relationship... God is in everything we do and every choice we make...
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