Even if you say it has deeper meaning and that religion doesn't cover everything that Christianity should be associated with, etc, it doesn't change the fact that it IS a religion.
Unless you change the definition of "religion," is there any way you can say that it doesn't include Christianity?
2007-12-19 03:37:03 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Main Entry: re·li·gion
Pronunciation: \ri-ˈli-jən\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English religioun, from Anglo-French religiun, Latin religion-, religio supernatural constraint, sanction, religious practice, perhaps from religare to restrain, tie back — more at rely
Date: 13th century
1 a: the state of a religious b (1): the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2): commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
2: a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
3archaic : scrupulous conformity : conscientiousness
4: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
2007-12-19 03:37:11 · update #1
it's funny, atheism is a religion, but now christianity is not?!?!?!
what!?!?!
2007-12-19 03:40:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 1⤋
I think it does fit the definition of religion. I also think true Christianity is ABOUT relationship not religion. In fact I think religion sickens God. Religion is mans way of trying to get to God, but God has already provided (at much cost) a way through Jesus.
I know, I know, call me narrowminded, but there are correct answers no? In math 10+10=20 right not narrowmindedness, there are laws that everyone agrees to in all realms of science like physics and such, and thats not being narrowminded. Why is then that with Theology saying that there is only one answer is being narrowminded?
Sorry for ranting, did I even answer your question?
2007-12-19 03:49:46 · answer #2 · answered by Dan S 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It of course is a religion. I'm sure, in the big business of Christianity, someone is bilking thousands of Christians out of their hard earned dollars to sue to put Christianity into public schools by some lawsuit that claims it is not a "religion", but a "relationship". After millions are raised, they'll file and lose in a preliminary hearing, quote mine the judgment that calls it a meaningless semantic argument, appeal, and lose. In the process, they'll spend a few hundred thousand and pocket the difference.
2007-12-19 03:49:26 · answer #3 · answered by novangelis 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Man can make a book called the "dictionary" and assign his own meanings to the words he decides to make up and include within it, but that does not mean that man's definition is right and it does not nullify what God has already said.
I agree. We should be taxed just like everyone else. Then we'll find out who the real "Christians" are and who's just playing for the tax write-off.
2007-12-19 03:51:38 · answer #4 · answered by the sower 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Mainstream Christianity seems to have little in common with the biblical definition of religion.
James 1:27 (NIV)
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.
2007-12-19 03:45:00 · answer #5 · answered by Mr. E 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think they're just trying to avoid the negative connotative attachments to the term, ex. obedience, structure. I've heard this has been going on since at least the '50s...
It's like saying, "I'm not religious, I just have the firm belief that Muhammad was the last prophet and the Quran is the holy book of God."
2007-12-19 03:42:31 · answer #6 · answered by Eleventy 6 · 6⤊ 1⤋
TRUE religion, according to the Bible, is to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, house the homeless, visit the sick and those who are in prison, et cetera.
Since Jesus commanded us to do these things, a true Christian must also be religious, but not to BE a Christian, but because he or she IS a Christian.
Religion should be the natural outflowing of a loving relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ as we love others as Christ loved us.
2007-12-19 03:42:49 · answer #7 · answered by no1home2day 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
If Christianity is not a religion, it should not get the protection of Freedom of Religion.
2007-12-19 03:59:08 · answer #8 · answered by LabGrrl 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
OK- Christianity can be under the heading of religion in a dictionary- however in a person's life that knows Christ- religion becomes obsolete. - it does become a relationship. If you look up Christianity in any history book, yes it is called a religion- so I guess in technical terms you are right- but experientially it is so much more- and when you know Jesus you will understand what I am saying.
2007-12-19 03:42:36 · answer #9 · answered by AdoreHim 7 · 4⤊ 3⤋
Say, if Christianity isn't a religion then we should be taxing them, shouldn't we? I have the feeling that if we did that, they'd be calling it a religion again pretty feckin quick.
2007-12-19 04:15:29 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Did somebody actually say that? Odd.
Although, I would say for some people, it goes beyond that and is ALSO a philosophy and a way of life. But it's still a religion.
2007-12-19 03:40:57 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋