Religion v. Following Jesus?

Question

Is there any difference between the two?

Answer 1

In today's vernacular, religion really denotes man's attempt to reach God via works, traditions, rituals and man-made regulations outside of the Bible. This is a form of bondage that restricts the freedom and freewill that Christ came to free us from.

Following Jesus is a personal encounter where you follow where He guides in prayer and personal Bible study without the pressure of outside influence. This requires a personal relationship which can be gained through death to self and resurrection in a new life in Christ. That is the Gospel (good news)

Answer 2

I was a member of what I refer to as organized religion.It was of the Mennonite sect.These are very good people and most all of their doctrines have a scriptural foundation to them.So whats the problem if the scripture is there? We can have all kinds of knowledge about the word of God and lack the wisdom to use it. No one can define God for starters.He is just to big.You cannot put God in a mold and say this is what God is.Cross this line and your lost,stay in it and you will be saved.When following Jesus you will have to brake the mold and let God be God.Some of Peters first words to Cornelius was "..Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company,or to come unto one of another nation,(but God has shewed me) that I should not call any man common or unclean" Acts 10:28.Peter had to brake the mold that he thought God was and be what God wanted him to be.Even the church was upset with Peter for doing this until they heard the out come of it all Acts 11:1-3.I am not suggesting here that we can go against the word of god and commit sin but we do have to follow the Holy Spirit when applying scripture.When we do that there will always be a fruitful harvest or blessing of some degree.

Answer 3

There is a major difference. Most people would classify me as a Christian. For all intensive purposes, you could say I am. However, I do not follow many Christians because of my disagreement with the way the Christian church is ran. By 'church' I mean a body of people. I AM a believer in the one and only true God and a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The main difference, therefore, would be this. Religion was man made. A title created by man to classify others. Followers of Jesus Christ do not have any other title other than Children of God.

Answer 4

Following Jesus has become a religion.
Originally, Christianity was not called Christianity, but "The Way".
Acts of the Apostles refers to: members of 'The Way'.
It was meant to be a set of values, a certain hope for the future ...a way of life that included a relationship with God.
If that constitutes a religion ....so be it.

Answer 5

religion is a set of rules/guidelines that a certain church may set forth...

following Jesus is taking the Word of God and applying it to your life... and using that as your guidelines. Accepting the gift of Grace that Jesus gave us, thru the cross is what is needed.. not a religion that is made of manrules

Answer 6

If your religion does not involve "following Jesus" then there would be an obvious difference.
For you? Probably not...

Answer 7

Yes! Religion is beleiving in anything. You could be religous about anything. But following god is doing what the "bible" says is right. Even though the bible was re written, but watever!

Answer 8

Not really. If you're following the same handbook it's all the same. I guess it's the same as the difference between a professional mechanic and someone who does it out of their garage.

Answer 9

I'm your huckleberry.

Answer 10

There is not supposed to be.