Christianity: Religion or Relationship?

Is Christianity a religion or a relationship? Many refuse to call Christianity a religion and insist that it is simply a relationship that we have with God, but is this truly correct? Can we reject Christianity as a religion? Let us find out.

Is Christianity a Religion?

In the day that we live in, I believe that there are three definitions to religion that we must consider. First, some define "religion" as a works-based system that shows us how to get to heaven. This is the definition of "religion" that is oftened tied with religions outside of Christianity such as Catholicism (that is, non-protestantism), Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Mormanism. Secondly, some define "religion" as a belief in God that guides and dictates one's actions and way of living. This is the most common definition of religion and the one that will find if you search it on google. This is the "religion" that is a general word for a type of system that requires one to believe in God (or gods) and because of this live your life in a certain way. Thirdly, some define "religion" as a faith-based philosophy that is a foundation to one's worldview and way of living. This is the definition of "religion" that argues that all people, whether Christian, Catholic, Atheist, or anywhere in between, are "religious" beause they have a worldview based on a truth-claim about something that they cannot see or prove. These are the three definitions that this world uses for "religion." So which one accords to Christianity?

If we define religion as a works-based system that shows us how to get to heaven, certianly Christianity is not a "religion." To define Christianity as a "religion" in this way is what we call heresy. The difference between Christianity and all other religions is that it is not based on works. Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Mormanism, and every other religion you will find is all about the ladder concept. You climb the ladder, and God rewards you in the end. However, Christianity says that you coudn't climb the ladder, so instead Jesus climbed down the ladder and died on the cross in your place. Therefore, Christianity is not a works-based system that shows us the way to heaven, but rather a faith-based system that shows us the way to God. In this sense of the word, then, Christianity is not a religion.

However, if we define religion as either a belief in God or a faith-based philosophy, Christianity is most certainly a religion--yes and amen! Firstly, Christianity is most certainly a belief in God that shows us how to live our lives. Although we are not living our lives in order that we might be saved, the Christian religion still shows us a way that we ought to live in order that we might live to glorify the God who created us (and saved us!). In this sense, Christianity is certainly a religion that contains massive amounts of rules and regulations for us to follow (but let us note that those rules and regulations are certainly for our good!). Furthermore, Christianity is also a religion in the sense of a faith-based philosophy. This universal definition of religion is true of all worldviews, because all worldviews depend on a truth claim that is believed by faith. Christians cannot see God (1 Peter 1:8) no more than Atheists cannot see evolution. Yet, we both hold fast to our convictions by faith. Christianity, in the sense of a belief in God and a faith-based philosophy is most certainly a religion.

Is Christianity a Relationship?

This certainly goes without saying, but Christianity is most definitely a relationship. The entire goal of the Gospel, the entire reason for salvation, is that we might be reconciled to God in a restored relationship with him. This relationship is a relationship of sonship (1 John 3:1), brotherhood (Romans 8:17), servanthood (2 Timothy 2:24), and surely much, much more.

Why is this Important?

The reason why I believe that this "Christianity: Religion or Relationship?" question is important is because there is a great danger is in disregarding Christianity as a merely a relationship without religion. Why do I say so? Beause if we take the "religion" out of Christianity, there is a danger of taking the works out of it as well. We must remember that although we are not saved by our works (that is, our obediece), we are still commanded to do good works, for this is what we were created for (Ephesians 2:10). The Puritans put it this way: "We are saved by fath alone, but saving faith is never alone." If we set a goal to say that Christianity is not a religion, we risk taking the message of obedience out of Christianity and turning it into a butterflies-and-roses, lovey-dovey mindset that has us view Jesus as more of a stuffed animal who we hold onto only when we need him for comfort than a sovereign Lord who demands full obedience from his people and incurs judgement on those who do not turn from their sin. Why is this important? Because if we insist that Christianity is not a religion, we might lead people into thinking that obedience is not needed in Christianity. We risk having them hear the message that they can have all of the "good parts" of religion without having to commit to the "rules and regulations." This is not Christianity, this is selfishness. Christianity is not a mere relationship that does not demand obedience, rather, it is a relationship that demands full obedience. Relationship it surely is, but religion (in the sense discussed above) it certainly is as well, and if we attempt to take one without the other, we risk compromising the Gospel.

Conclusion

Please, don't get me wrong: there are numerous, well-intentioned, Godly Christian men and women who adhere to the "religion not relationship" idea of Christianity, and without a doubt mean it with all good intentions and sound biblical doctrine. Even J.D. Greear, one of my absolute favorite pastors, often speaks of Christianity as not being a religion. My point in this article is merely to point out that we must know what we are talking about when we say that Christianity is not a religion. Many Christians (specifically those who have come directly out of the Catholic mindset) find great comfort in seeing Christianity as a relationship and not a religion. This is perfectly acceptable as long as we also realize and clearly proclaim that Christianity is also about committing our lives to obedience to Christ, and not merely having a relationship with a God who demands nothing of us. Christianity is most certainly a relationship, but I would like to argue that it is most certianly a religion as well, that is, if we define it in the right way.

"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."

James 1:27