Religion or Relationship, or both?
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it means to be a Christian. I think its funny when “Christians” say they hate religion and its a relationship instead. While this is true, i disagree with the first half of that statement. Wikipedia, clearly the most reliable source in the world, defines “Religion” as: A religion is an organized approach to human spirituality which usually encompasses a set of narratives, symbols, beliefs and practices, often with a supernatural or transcendent quality, that give meaning to the practitioner's experiences of life through reference to a higher power, God or gods, or ultimate truth..... So for all those Christians that say they hate religion... what part of that definition isn’t true for you?
“organized approach to human spirituality.”-We are called to be part of the church. My best friends are the ones who are part of the church and keep me accountable in my walk with Christ.
“narratives, symbols.”- We read the bible and learn from Jesus’ teachings
“beliefs”- We believe that Jesus is the son of God and that He died on the cross to save us from our sins.
“Practices” We pray and worship and share communion
“often with a supernatural or transcendent quality”- really...what part of Jesus raising a man from the dead, isn’t supernatural?
“That gives meaning to the practitioner’s experiences of life through reference to a higer power, God”- I explain all of the above by having faith in a God who created everything and is in control and loves me unconditionally.
So thats my religion. The coolest part though? I get to have a relationship with that God who is the reason for my religion. Unlike other religions, where the “god” is distant and unreachable without proper intermediaries, my God is all present and has provided that intermediary making him easily accessible. My God has torn apart my life and transformed it into something amazing. My God loves me and gives me life and hope for a future.
“Creator, only you take brokenness, and create it into beauty once again.”-Barlow Girl
“organized approach to human spirituality.”-We are called to be part of the church. My best friends are the ones who are part of the church and keep me accountable in my walk with Christ.
“narratives, symbols.”- We read the bible and learn from Jesus’ teachings
“beliefs”- We believe that Jesus is the son of God and that He died on the cross to save us from our sins.
“Practices” We pray and worship and share communion
“often with a supernatural or transcendent quality”- really...what part of Jesus raising a man from the dead, isn’t supernatural?
“That gives meaning to the practitioner’s experiences of life through reference to a higer power, God”- I explain all of the above by having faith in a God who created everything and is in control and loves me unconditionally.
So thats my religion. The coolest part though? I get to have a relationship with that God who is the reason for my religion. Unlike other religions, where the “god” is distant and unreachable without proper intermediaries, my God is all present and has provided that intermediary making him easily accessible. My God has torn apart my life and transformed it into something amazing. My God loves me and gives me life and hope for a future.
“Creator, only you take brokenness, and create it into beauty once again.”-Barlow Girl
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