One hears the phrase "It is a relationship not a religion" when talking to others about their salvation. It is said so much that like most of Christianese it can start to sound trite. What does it mean, really? What is the difference between religion and relationship? Why do Christians want there to be a distinction? These are some of the questions I would like to address and hopefully they will help someone answer this question in the future and I would love to hear if anyone sees it differently.
Religion is by definition is
1.
a. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.
b. A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.
2. The life or condition of a person in a religious order.
3. A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.
4. A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.
while the definition for relationship is this
1The condition or fact of being related; connection or association.
2. Connection by blood or marriage; kinship.
3. A particular type of connection existing between people related to or having dealings with each other: has a close relationship with his siblings.
4. A romantic or sexual involvement.
So let us look at religion and which definition is connoted when one says she is religious. Of course one may think of 1a but most likely not, since many people who claim not to be religious say they believe in a higher power. So next we look at 1b, 2, 3 and 4 and get a little closer to the mark. One can see how these can fit many Christians who attend regular church activities, but also many other religions as well such as Islam, or Buddhism. The practices are based on the teachings of a spiritual leader, have regular activities, or requirements to adhere to, and often is connected with some sort of institutionalized system such as a church or a mosque.
So one can say she is religious and not be saying she is a Christian, and one can say she is a Christian and not attend church regularly and say she is not religious; is that not so? However one easily sees the confusion that arises on one who is neither religious nor Christian when we say we are not in a religion. Are we delusional or just nit picky? If we are devout in our walk with Christ, we appear on all counts to be religious, so why can't we just admit it and be done with it?
Perhaps looking at the definition of realtionship will help us, look at it again
1The condition or fact of being related; connection or association.
2. Connection by blood or marriage; kinship.
3. A particular type of connection existing between people related to or having dealings with each other: has a close relationship with his siblings.
4. A romantic or sexual involvement.
Are we all relatives in our church? Well according to the Bible we are, by adoption we are all God's children. Next, connection by blood, again, yes the blood of Christ is what made our adoption possible. Three is pretty much the same as number one we have dealings with one another as a local church and sometimes as part of the Church, that is the Body, by serving in missions, attending events in other churches and the like. Lastly there is number 4, a romantic involvement yes some people are definitely, completely desperately, in love with Jesus Christ. If we are not, we ought to want to be.The Church is referred to as the Bride of Christ; oh yes definitely a romantic connection.
Now, there we have it. If one calls me, as Christian, religious I need not take offense or correct them harshly but point out that none of the definitions of religion have to define a Christian. However, that said we need to consider the fact that while it is good to remember religion cannot save one, that being religious in our Christian walk is beneficial nay necessary, for the health and growth of ones relationship. One can be none of those things yet have a relationship with his Savior. The relationship may not be all it could be but it can still exist.
So the next time this comes up I hope this little "lesson" helps you explain a little better why we prefer not be referred to simply as religious. As for me I would say with my head high: "why yes I am religious about maintaining a healthy, vibrant relationship with the love of my life, Jesus Christ.
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