Why are people drawn to works-based religions versus grace-based religions?

Question

Do you think works-based religions appeal to slightly masochistic people? There has to be a reason people would so fervently cling to shame-based worship, as opposed to the freedom of Christ's grace, as spoken of in Romans 8.

just my thoughts. I'm interested in hearing thoughtful replies.

wiccan rider, then that begs another question for another 5 points: what exactly constitutes the "works" that this scripture "faith without works is dead"

maybe the biblical definition of "works" is not what people have made it out to be.

not that this matters, but I'm giving everyone who answers a thumbs up because I really appreciate the different opinions on the matter

wow. Eds called me "Young PediC" I wish I could give him 100 thumbs up. :-D

lavendar, I don't know exactly.. but thanks for the idea :-)

Answer 1

Young Pedi C,
Keep in mind that we are also told in James 2:17-18 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. I believe that Faith is important but also that works must be a part of our saving. Faith without works is DEAD! Have a wonderful weekend and a glorious LORD'S DAY!
Thank You,
Eds


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Answer 2

Grace Versus Works

Answer 3

I think it's just basically that people are taught "there ain't no free lunch" to the place they can't believe that God would give them something for free. They want to be able to contribute something or they won't be comfortable with it.

But in the immortal words of Rumer Godden in her book, In This House of Brede: "Is it easier to "be" than to "do"?"

I think not. Being is what it's about, the doing is the natural outflowing of the being. But you can only really be when you stop worrying about what you're doing and what others think of it.

As a matter of fact, God does ask us for something: ourselves, our lives, to be totally turned over to His Lordship. An absolute Lord has complete discretion over His subjects, you do as you are told. But the thing is, Jesus tells us to accept, believe and rejoice, first and foremost. All He is really asking us is to let Him love us, forgive us and accept us.

Everything else is secondary.

Answer 4

Christianity based on scripture is by grace but it also demands works. Have you never read James chapter 2? James 2:17 Faith without works is dead being alone further down James says that you see how a man is justified by works and not by faith only?

Faith only is not in the bible. It is a departing from biblical doctrine.
BB

Answer 5

Dear Pedi C,

Human nature hasn't changed all that much since Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden. They listened to Satan and have been trying to tweak perfection ever since. It didn't work then and it has never worked but ...

Edit:
We are saved TO do good works.
We are NOT saved by good works.

Edit 2:
I would like to point out that "works-based religions" is plural but "grace-based religions" should be singular because there is only ONE and it is NOT a religion but a Relationship.

For His glory,
JOYfilled

Answer 6

It all depends about what you mean by works. Paul belived that someone was saved if they had faith in Jesus, but he had a very vocal critic---James the brother of Jesus. James refuted Paul's "salvation by faith in Christ", by saying:

"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say that you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and and one of you says to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill," and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if faith has no works, is dead."--James 2:14-17

Of course, James here is talking about feeding the hungry and caring for the homeless from what is in your own home, not about conversion and evangelism like Paul. I would agree with James entirely--"I wish to save the world" starts with giving that extra bit of food or that extra bedroom in your house up to someone who is starving and homeless on the street.

Answer 7

Sorry to answer your question with, erm, a question? But, why would anyone be drawn to ANY kind of religion when religion has been holding back the human race from forming any lasting peace for itself for millennia?
Science & knowledge is the way forward. Religion is a power crazy 'Bete Noir'.
"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace". (Jimi Hendrix)
I'm afraid we don't need religion to experience love.
People, we are being deceived!

Answer 8

And here are just my thoughts right back at you...lol...

We understand work ethic, if we do something we get paid, we higher in our work, so it is ingrained is some of us, ( some do not have any work ethic...) to gain we must work. I do not think it is a masochistic tendency, its just who we are, we feel we must achieve. Works based faiths need our prayers and love.

It takes faith to accept God's freedom. We need to help our fellow Christian brothers and sisters see that freedom in Christ. We must love them to freedom.

Answer 9

People want a "do it yourself" type gospel; where their ultimate trust is in themselves and not the grace (unmerited favor) of God. This in a sense, is a way to BLEED OFF some "worship" to oneself that is really due to God and His goodness and mercy.

Answer 10

i think there is confusion in everyones understanding
of works VS yeilding fruit AKA obedience....

your right, there is no SINGLE thing we can do to get into heaven
by our own hands...

however if one is truley obeying Christ, fruit will be evident
that which bears not fruit is cast aside...remember?

so the real question is what will the fruit be like?