Is Christianity a religion?

Question

It is astonishing that some Christians have blurted out that they are not following a religion in their walk with Christ. Let's see...

religion (n) - 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.
-dictionary.com

You can't simply change the definitions of words without warrant. Words have clear definitions to allow substance in communication. Claiming that Christianity does not fit the definition above can serve no purpose but to distort the facts.

Even assuming Christianity to be true, by definition, it would STILL BE A RELIGION.

There will be no relevancy found in arguments over semantics. We will only tumble into despair. Anyone agree, or perhaps disagree?

Stake, you know, I was going to include that but my question was getting too long. Since you asked though, yes, atheism does fit-in nicely to the definition for the first 13 words, and the first 13 words only.

Mum, I like that you are not quick to judge, and granted, I have not presented any quotes, but I assure you, these people were talking about the religion as a whole.

4HIM, that's like if I claimed my steak dinner was not a "dinner" because I considered it to be the best dinner in the world.

Answer 1

Christianity is a religion.
Christianity is unique among all other faiths, because Christianity is more about a relationship, rather than religious practice. Instead of adhering to a list of “dos and don’ts,” the goal of a Christian is to cultivate a close walk with God the Father. That relationship is made possible because of the work of Jesus Christ, and the ministry in the life of the Christian by the Holy Spirit.

Answer 2

See? But their definition of religion is 'living by a set of rules'. People that say their beliefs are not a religion are trying to explain that they are worshipping Jesus and not the church or church leaders. Changing the definition is their way of saying that they've left the other churches behind and have a special relationship with God.

They aren't aware of how much they haven't really changed anything even if the words are changed. There is nothing new under the sun. Preacher still getting full control and money. Authority from Bible. Sheep still being fleeced.

I feel sorry for them because that's part of the sales pitch from their respected leaders to get them to give their minds and hearts to what is being taught. It's only despairing for them if they feel like they've been had. They don't have to accept this despair if they can convince you that you're wrong and they're right. It's only despair for us if we get fooled ourselves into agreeing with them.

Answer 3

I have known no Christians who claimed Christianity was not a religion so I am unqualified to debate your position. It is my OPINION, however, that Christianity is a religion the same as Islam is a religion, Judaism is a religion and Paganism is a religion. For that matter, I believe Satanism is a religion. While they are all different, they share a belief in the divine. Christians believe Christ is divine. Muslims believe Allah is divine. Jews believe Yahweh is divine. Pagans believe nature is divine. Satanists believe Satan is divine. As differing as they are, they share the fundamental belief that there is SOMETHING or SOMEONE in whom we/they believe. The only alternative, I suppose, would then be atheism or a belief that there is no something or someone in whom to believe but self. And since 'self' cannot impact the cause, nature and purpose of the universe, then atheism must not be a religion, simply a mind set.

Answer 4

People don't always use words literally. I think it's clear they were trying to say that they don't affiliate with any particular Christian group.

Yes, they still have a set of beliefs and a moral code. So yes, they do literally have a religion. Maybe it would be more literally accurate to say that they did not have a meeting place or congregation.

Metaphysical: Christianity is almost as diverse in its beliefs as Hinduism.... Who then can speak for Christianity as a whole? But I think I've figured out what you're trying to say...

Some Christians say that their religion is not a religion but a relationship. They argue that their belief and relationship with God does not fit the term "religion."

I can see why you call it semantics... it is, but it has to do with how those people perceive the word "religion".

My definition of "religion" (it's literal roots) is re-connection... so in effect you are completely right about that steak dinner thing. re-connection, relationship... what's the difference?

People are always searching for inner peace and connectedness with humanity. In a desire to share the love, they try to "convert" people, but stumble with the words.

Why get angry about it? It is easier to be patient with people when you realise we are all learning.

Answer 5

When people say that they are not following a religion but are Christians, they are saying that they do not blindly follow the teachings of people on earth. They are making their own choices in life. This was the thought that was followed during the Protestant reformation. People didn't feel the need to listen and follow the "Church". That can work for some, but it can also lead to a very watered down "belief".

Answer 6

Yes, Christianity is a religion. I am a Christian, and this is one of the things that bothers me greatly about my fellow brothers and sisters in the faith. Religion was created by us. To assume that Christianity is special and does not have any human-made traditions or doctrines is silly. Some Christians see Christianity as the only true religion. To call it a name that shows that it was made by humanity is an insult to the faith to these Christians. For me, I realize the humanity of both my faith and even my scripture that we claim as holy. Any religion is also a way of life or a walk with a particular deity. Any faithful follower of any religion is walking a way of life with that religion. That is how they identitfy themselves. However, it doesn't make it any less a religion.

Answer 7

What prompted you to publish this question on Yahoo in the first place? It's clear you're not a Christian, so I don't see what burning importance the answer would have for you. As a Christian, even I don't lose sleep over other Christians saying they're not following a religion. Perhaps you're planning on having them rounded up and put in jail?

Answer 8

Any religion which just follows ritualities, is not worth practicing. We have to understand the essence in the stories that have been depicted in various religions. Just going by the book and interpreting it to the style that suits you is not true following.

Everybody who claims to be a follower will become one only when he seeks the blessings of a true saint who is empowered by God.

There are good followers to Christianity as there are in other religions. We are all waves from the same ocean.

Answer 9

After all the reading and exploring I have done over the last year or so I feel that you cannot talk about "Christianity" but have to say "Christianities". We may never know what the real, pure spiritual impulse of Christianity was but over the centuries it has evolved into so many different things from Gnosticism to Catholicism to Jehovah Witnesses.

There is no one Christianity in this sense. There is the image of a man called Christ, all records of which have been written down decades to centuries after he died. Perhaps it would be better to say that there is a Spirit of Christianity. And there are people who can be absorbed in the spirituality of Christ but not belong to any Church or religion. Like me for instance. I don't believe in any of the doctrines of Catholicism or Protestantism. I don't go to Church, I'm not celibate, but I find the spirituality of Christianity in all its purest and least dogmatic forms fascinating and absorbing, more so, perhaps, than any other religions. Perhaps that's why I want to fight for its reputation a bit more, against people who claim to be Christians as much as people who are against it.

I found this website because of the Christian Mystics site which argues for a living experience of the Christ energy rather than a pursuit of rules and dogmas. I think its perfectly possible to experience Christianity in its mystical form - ie the expression of a higher spirituality - and not belong to a religion or Church. There's no evidence that Christ intended to set up a Church as we know it. Transform people, yes, put them in touch with their own White Light, yes, set people free from despair, yes, but not build an oppressive edifice which was more interested in supressing dissent than promoting spiritual growth.

Religion comes from the word religio meaning to reconnect. If "Religion" refuses to reconnect with Spirituality then it is dead and oppressive. "The letter killeth but the spirit giveth life". Religion as we know it means the Law. If it was a reconnecting force as it was supposed to be things would be different. We would have "Grace and Truth" as opposed to "the Law".

Answer 10

Human descriptions of man made religions are true. Religion is man's way of trying to please their gods and imposing rituals, rules and doctrines on other people.

God tells us that Jesus is his way of reaching down to man with love, compassion, freedom, salvation and grace. Following Jesus is not a religion. Following Jesus is a personal relationship with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

James 1:27 states, Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Stevi jan, I am a Christian and I don't follow any religion other than what is found in James 1:27.