Religion is defined as a set of rules one follows to earn a better afterlife, yet Christianity is not based on rules, but on faith. According to Christianity, your works don't decide what happens to you after you die, your faith does. That is contrary to what "religion" means. What do you people think?
First that's the worst definition on religion i have ever heard. Makes it sound like religion is a recipe. Secondly, Christianity has rules. The only reason you follow the rules is because of faith. Thirdly, the people who started this religion didn't really need faith, because they saw with their own eyes, so it can't be based on faith.
Anyone who claims to be a christian claims in essence to be a follower of Christ. It's not anti or pro, it is what it is. I'm a follower of Christ and his teachings. Religion always gets people in trouble!
First of all, who's definition is that? It is not necessarily true. Anyways, not all Christians believe in saved by faith. I for one believe in saved by faith and mercy AFTER all you can do to be good.
As a Christian I do not believe I am a part of a religion - I believe I am in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and others who have chosen to be in a personal relationship with him as well - our works have nothing to do with our afterlife, which many religions teach, but Jesus did not teach this at all.
I whole heatedly agree. You could believe till you turn blue in the face and it means nothing. Actions are what really speak. Give me a Atheist who acts on making the world a better place any day as opposed to a bunch of people sitting around saying they believe.
You're right. Christianity is not a 'religion' in the sense of someone doing what they can to get right with God, but what God has done to enable people get right with Him, because it is a free gift, as pointed out in the letter to the Romans.
I love being a follower of Jesus, although I disagree with many of the teachings of the 'church'(created my man-not God). The church has created their own rules, and can be very judge mental.
The guidelines of the bible, are designed to make us have a happy life.Jesus was a wonderful man.
Our faith alone in Jesus Christ will be our Salvation.
I wonder where your definition of religion comes from. I don't know that the Hindu faith would conform to it.
I'm with you on your faith argument. I'm a big believer in rational thought and I believe that any religious leader that teaches people to accept things on faith does a terrible disservice to his congregation by squelching in depending thinking. (of course a cynic would argue that that's probably the point.) But I do think that Christianity provides plenty of guidance in how to live a principled and moral life.
It's not just your faith. There are many verses in the new testament that say to finish a good race, to do according to what Jesus would do, to live like God... There are so many verses that tell you how to act. Jesus even said in the new testament that to think of an act is in essence the same as committing it.
However, I believe you have to make an account to God for your WORKS, and God will judge you. So if you call yourself a Christian, your works should not be sins. However the sins we do commit (seeing that nobody is perfect) we can just bring it before God, and he is faithful to give us another chance.
So I would have to say Christianity is not a religion as Rony said, "It's a relationship."
Really? How be so, there are no rules in Buddhism or Hinduism. But sure in bible there are rules like the ten commandments... Else why am I forced to go to church on Sundays? I think you know nothing of religions. And if my faith is the key, OK. I will rape, plunder and torture (like in 1st testament, like by church in past, like in witch trials). But I got the ticket to go to heaven -cause I BELIEVE IN JESUS. Praise Him. I just can not wait to see Mr. Crawley next door in hell for not raping his own daughter and he got no faith! As I got FAITH, i am going to be with Jesus and the Inquisitors - Hey, ain't that fun to be with them! Thank you Jesus.
Main Entry: re?Li?gion
Pronunciation: RI-'li-j&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English religion, from Latin religion-, religion supernatural constraint, sanction, religious practice, perhaps from relegate to restrain, tie back -- more at RELY
1 a : the state of a religious <a nun in her 20Th year of religion> 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
3 archaic : scrupulous conformity : CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
4 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
- re?Li?gion?less adjective Webster calls this the definition of religion I think this applies quite well to Christian doc tines of faith... I think the problem may well be YOUR definition
Genghis Kahn in 13Th century said the same thing.
They didn't want him to take over the European nations at the time. So they told him about Christianity. And how God wouldn't want you to take over.
He said this isn't a religion. Then said how do you know if God doesn't want me to rule your lands, maybe he does.
And continued to ravage the continent.
As a Catholic I will say their are rules and a person Ned's faith and works. Martin Luther had a hard time with works to the point he took the Book of James out of the Lutheran Bible. It was 50 years before it was put back again.
Is Christianity a religion or an anti-religion?
