Religion definition is a gray area. One could argue that religion brings you to come to know the essence or tenants of a particular god(s)-notice the lower case g. Ultimately, religion is influenced by God and interpreted by men. A good analogy I like to think of is, for example, the US Constitution. The framers set the rules, and citizens interpret the rules and create more laws as they go along. Then SCOTUS will declare certain laws to be unconstitutional and changes to the laws are applied to maintain the framework of the founders. Now think of God, he gave us the 10 commandments, the constitution, men created laws based on those commandments, think the Torah. The holy spirit challenges the Torah, because the law is written in oir hearts by the Holy Spirit. Does that void the Torah? No, but it does splinter into different interpretations of men (Christianity, Judaism). Who is right? Well He is the ultimate judge, its for him to decide. Did we listen to the Holy Spirit, or we didn't?
Your correct. Because of the mathematical nature of my thoughts, I like to start with definitions. Unfortunately, the nature of forums such as this don't make that easy.
The common definition of religion is a set of laws, practices, and ceremonies created as a path to bridge the gap between man and the divine.
When Jesus died on the cross and was risen three days later, He became that Path. Through our relationship with Jesus, when we accept Him as our Lord and Saviour, we become adopted children of GOD. Jesus is our religion.
Because we are supposed to be loving children, we should want to be like our Father and do what He wants. What He wants is pretty simple.
Be holy because He is Holy. Stand bravely for truth and justice.
Spend time in prayer and feed on the Word of GOD.
Gather together in the Name of Jesus. Celebrate the Last Supper as a remembrance. Lift each other up.
Be a light in the darkness bearing witness of the Good News to the lost.
Humans coalesce into hierarchical groups. Its our nature. So is exploiting the power to influence others. Hence the challenge with organized religion.
Hallelujah!
That is the truth.
That's why I avoid churches -- any kind of organized religion.
I believe most religions exist to PREVENT people from knowing God. To obstruct it.
There are some exceptions, of course.
I am no atheist. But no worries.
Religion definition is a gray area. One could argue that religion brings you to come to know the essence or tenants of a particular god(s)-notice the lower case g. Ultimately, religion is influenced by God and interpreted by men. A good analogy I like to think of is, for example, the US Constitution. The framers set the rules, and citizens interpret the rules and create more laws as they go along. Then SCOTUS will declare certain laws to be unconstitutional and changes to the laws are applied to maintain the framework of the founders. Now think of God, he gave us the 10 commandments, the constitution, men created laws based on those commandments, think the Torah. The holy spirit challenges the Torah, because the law is written in oir hearts by the Holy Spirit. Does that void the Torah? No, but it does splinter into different interpretations of men (Christianity, Judaism). Who is right? Well He is the ultimate judge, its for him to decide. Did we listen to the Holy Spirit, or we didn't?
TL;DR
Religion=man made
Relationship with God=divine made
Religion=/=relationship with God
I am a Christian. The challenge lies in the interpretation of God's word through men in an organized hierarchy.
The belief in and following of Christ requires no affiliation with a specific denomination. I think that is generally the original poster's point.
Christ is the way. Denominations are cultural accoutrements that are fallible because they are run by humans.
So the religion may have been birthed by a Love of God, it is managed by imperfect people.
I'm not necessarily for or against Christian religions, just pointing out the human element that opens the door for problems.
Your correct. Because of the mathematical nature of my thoughts, I like to start with definitions. Unfortunately, the nature of forums such as this don't make that easy.
The common definition of religion is a set of laws, practices, and ceremonies created as a path to bridge the gap between man and the divine.
When Jesus died on the cross and was risen three days later, He became that Path. Through our relationship with Jesus, when we accept Him as our Lord and Saviour, we become adopted children of GOD. Jesus is our religion.
Because we are supposed to be loving children, we should want to be like our Father and do what He wants. What He wants is pretty simple.
Be holy because He is Holy. Stand bravely for truth and justice.
Spend time in prayer and feed on the Word of GOD.
Gather together in the Name of Jesus. Celebrate the Last Supper as a remembrance. Lift each other up.
Be a light in the darkness bearing witness of the Good News to the lost.