Hello! Recently, I've noticed that there is a trend among Christians, especially youth, claiming that they "Hate religion, but love God." I found it peculiar, but did not want to speak on it until God had given me full understanding. As time went by, I left the matter alone. Then suddenly it reappeared in video form. A youtube video titled "Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus" featuring a young Christian expressing his thoughts on 'religion vs relationship' through spoken word has been getting much buzz. If you haven't seen it, here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IAhDGYlpqY . However, my premise is not to speak on the video. I have been praying for personal gaining of spiritual wisdom. Today I literally woke up thinking clearly about the religion debate. Isn't God great? We ask for wisdom, earnestly seek it, and He gives it to us!
Now, let's get to the root of this post- the title! Why am I bluntly declaring that I don't hate religion? To put it simply- because I know what religion is about. I'll begin my rhetoric by exploring what religion is. I looked up the definition of "religion" using multiple resources. Here are a few that seemed most relevant:
Dictionary.com
religion: 1) a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially 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.
Merriam-webster.com
religion: 1b) the service and worship of God or the supernatural; commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
4) a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
Google Search
religion: 1.The belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, esp. a personal God or gods.
2.Details of belief as taught or discussed.
The common ground that I see among these differing definitions is 1) service/worship of a superhuman being(s) and 2) a set of beliefs that affect one's lifestyle. I will sum religion up by saying that it is devotion to a supernatural being through life service (adhering to set principles) and praise. No where does it say in dictionaries or the Bible that religion was created by man. It is completely centered around a God or gods, so it must have come from the God or gods, right?
Since this is a Christian blog, and I believe in the one true God, I will leave out "gods" and say that religion is focused on God and His teachings. Man-focused religions are nothing new. In the Bible, we see that the Pharisees obeyed God's law in order to receive salvation, but we know that salvation is a gift not acquired by deeds (Ephesians 2). Therefore, their religious acts were solely about rites and adherence to law, not necessarily service to God. How can it really be called "religion" when they are missing the core of religion: God? Matthew 5:20 says, "For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven." Though they kept the Law, the Pharisees did not receive salvation because their hearts were still wicked. God wants you to obey His law AND have a relationship with Him.
So my next question is: can modern society's ubiquitous statement "Christianity is a lifestyle, not a religion" be valid? Christians are really beginning to frown upon religion, which scares me greatly. Going back to the definitions of religion- worshiping your God and adhering to His commands that you confessed to be true, which consequently affects your lifestyle sounds pretty much like Christianity. Serving God religiously IS a lifestyle!
As this blog post comes to an end, I want to say that Satan is constantly at work. He loves to corrupt believers. He has no reason to chase those who are already his, so of course he is looking to discredit your beliefs. Do not believe that you can live for God without living for God. Do you see how that makes no sense? That is what you are saying when you think that Christianity does not consist of religious rites and principles. Get out of the mindset of "How much can I do and still be called a Christian?" and live righteously according to what the Bible says, not mankind's twisted concepts. I pray that you will ponder this throughout life and come to biblical truth. As always, I'm open for discussion. Be blessed!
service to God is something I truly dont understand, does that mean simply living a sinless life and helping others or is it deeper? Im not extremely religious but I frequently find myself looking for answers that the average individual would not be able to answer. Ive had the mindset of that maybe if I lived my life as best as i could and was simply a good person would be enough but that doesnt seem to be the case.
ReplyDeleteAs touchy a subject as religion is for some, its always nice to have a discussion with others about it.
First, I have to ask what do you mean by "living a good life" and being a "good person"? There is no way to be completely sinless on earth because no man is born "good." Romans 3:10-13 states: "as it is written, THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; 11) THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD; 12) ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.' 13) 'THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE, WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING,' 'THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS.'"
ReplyDeleteThis explains why it's hard for us to be perfect and do absolutely no wrong. Living for God is simply putting Him (& His commands) first in every decision we make. God knows we aren't perfect because He created us, but He is pleased by our efforts, you see? He wants to save us. Salvation is received by accepting God as almighty savior of mankind. Does that answer your question?