In a recent question, "Why on earth is anyone religious," one answer from Larry S gave the following text:
...Religion can't help you but Christianity can. Consider the following.
Christianity is Not a Religion
Please do not classify Christianity as just another religion?...
So if Christianity is not a religion (according to a Christian), what is it?
2006-10-27 05:57:06 · 37 answers · asked by Musicol 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
And to Larry S who answered below - yes, I did read your complete answer but it was evident that you had taken much of it from the bible, and the text was rather 'extremist'. And that's why I used this example to ask the question - you seemed very religious.
2006-10-27 06:28:28 · update #1
And I should point out that the dictionary definition of Christianity is, "The religion based on the person and the teachings of Christ." Evidently, many Christians disagree.
2006-10-27 07:25:13 · update #2
It is just another religion. Larry S is probably a die hard Christian who tend to believe that their way is the only way and therefore better than the other religions out there.
A religion is defined as"a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs."
Sounds like Christianity to me.
2006-10-27 05:59:53 · answer #1 · answered by misskate12001 6 · 2⤊ 3⤋
I guess the only other options would be a belief system (which is basicly just a religion) or a cult. Seeing as how Christianity is not secret, that just leaves a belief system.
That aside though, I think what Larry was trying to say, was that Christianity is the only TRUE religion, and therefore above the term "religion". I personaly don't agree with him, but I think that was the point he was trying to make.
2006-10-27 06:04:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Christianity is classified as a religion but it would seem that Larry S is quite legitimately trying to draw a sharp distinction between being dead in a religion and having a living faith in God through Jesus Christ.
According to the Bible we are all dead (spiritually dead) in our trespasses and sins until God in His mercy and love quickens us to life, Ephesians 2. Dead people, of course, can do nothing, (except perhaps be left dead in a religion).
According to Christ Himself (and He knows better than any of us), He quickens who He chooses, John 5/21 (Many are called but few are chosen), and no one can come to Christ unless it is given from the Father, 6/65 and that we need to be born anew (or again as is popularly known), 3/3-8. Being born after the flesh is one thing, being born after the spirit is quite another.
The Christian "religion" contains both these types of people.
It would seem that Larry S is calling those who are dead, as in a religion, and that Christianity properly understood is not so much a religion as a living relationship with God through Jesus Christ ,which after all, is what Christ does indeed teach.
I haven't seen his answer but no doubt he would have all leave any religion and seek Christ and life. (Christ gives some encouraging promises to those who truly seek, Matt 7/7-8 & John 6/37). If you examine Christ's words and teaching and His life and resurrection you will see why.
That being the case, it is a fair distinction that he is trying to draw, but, of course , you need to understand the difference.
2006-10-27 08:48:47 · answer #3 · answered by Iain C 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I guess it really depends on your definition of religion. The definition that this person seems to be using is saying that religion is a set of customs and traditions one practices relating to things we don't know about and a way to give purpose to life. While it is true that Christianity does fit this description this is not what it should be about. The heart of Christianity isn't rules or traditions or requirements but it is relationship. However many people don't realize this most of these many people are actually people who would identify themselves as "christian". True Christians are simply the fulfillment of the promise God gave Abraham, that through him the nations would be blessed. true Christians are simply those grafted into (added to become a part of) the true remnant of Israel. Together we are the people of God. The people who have a real right relationship with their Creator. This is a heavy truth and is very offensive to many people. I say for it is what scripture says. It has never been simply about religion but relationship.
2006-10-27 06:09:07 · answer #4 · answered by Almack 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
When a person knows & have faith that their way of worship is the only true way 2 be saved, then that way of worship cannot be grouped with any of the others. Therefore if hinduism, budhism, islam, etc. are religions, then Christianity is separate because it is the only true way 2 be saved,& therefore cannot be a religion because those others that are labelled religions are not the true ways. So as Larry S said, there are religions & then there is Christianity. Religions cannot save u but Christianity can...because Christianity is based on Jesus Christ, the Son of God & it is the only true way 2 God.
...And there will always be people who say that they are christians but are not. As well as people who go 2 church but are not christians.
2006-10-27 06:22:24 · answer #5 · answered by Ethslan 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Christianity should not be a religion. Religion is a political organization built around a spiritual belief or memory of a spiritual master. Once it becomes a religion the deeper meaning is gutted and replaced with dogma and ritual.
Christianity should simply be a system of spiritual guidance based on the teachings of Jesus. Jesus was a great spiritual master.
2006-10-27 06:02:53 · answer #6 · answered by gjm37 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The definition of a Christian is someone who lives in harmony w/ Christ's teachings. The Bible defines what those teachings were.
It's more of a set of principles & beliefs than a religion.
2006-10-27 06:00:18 · answer #7 · answered by Rocker Chick 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Christianity is a broad definition for a group made up of alot sub-groups that believe that Jesus died on the cross, and will one day return to the earth.
Some of the sub-groups are Protestants, Pentecostals, baptists, and a bunch more!
Saying you are a christian is simply stating that you believe in Jesus dying for your sins, and was resurrected from the dead, and will return one day.
2006-10-27 06:01:56 · answer #8 · answered by kat k 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A religion is a belief. Therefore, Christianity is a religion, i.e., a belief in Christ.
Likewise, the definition of Christianity is "the Christian religion."
2006-10-27 06:00:37 · answer #9 · answered by Rainfog 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It's a belief that a person has a personal relationship with God. A person can be a Christian without belonging to organized religion.
2006-10-27 05:59:03 · answer #10 · answered by Justsyd 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋