Spiritual not religious

Vanellus said:

I didn't know the devil claims to be a Christian. Do you have the Bible reference for that?

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I didn't say that the devil claims to be a Christian.
Your/the dictionary definition of "religious" was "someone who has a strong belief in God". The devil has a strong belief in God, James 2:19. My question to you was, does that make him religious?

Vanellus said:

If you read my original statement again you will understand that "nominal Christian" is a strawman of your own invention.

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And if you read my original reply I started with the words, "For me, religion is .....".
I.E my response when I hear the word "religious" is ....... it was my view. I hate the word "religious" with reference to Christianity because - although it might be a cliché - Christianity is not a religion but a relationship.

So I was disagreeing with your definition of "religious" and giving my opinion.

Vanellus said:

"How can one be truly religious but not spiritual especially with regard to the Christian faith which involves being indwelt by the Holy Spirit"

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And my answer told you how.
Not every churchgoer who attends every week, sings hymns or even goes to Bible studies has received the Holy Spirit. They may not even be born again. That is a fact.
FWIW I believe everyone has something of God's Spirit in them - all people were made by God in his image. But Jesus told Nicodemus he could not enter the Kingdom of God unless he had been born again. The believers in Acts 19 had not even heard of the Holy Spirit, yet they believed in God, and in Jesus too.

Vanellus said:

You: "And "spiritual" doesn't necessarily even refer to the Christian faith"
Here you are agreeing with my point in the OP so why present it as a disagreement?

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My only point of disagreement was with the word "religious".
A person CAN be religious, believe in God, go to church several times a week and not have, or maybe even believe in, the Spirit. There is a Scriptural example of that in Acts 19 and a few testimonies to that effect.

Vanellus said:

It does seems like you are determined to have an argument (or maybe a contradiction) just for the sake of it.

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And I said in my first post how it seemed to me and what I understand by the word "religious".

You could have said, "that's interesting, could you explain a bit more?" Or, "sorry, I don't see what you're getting at; could you go through it again?" Instead of which you wrote, "as someone professing to be a Christian". This sounded like you were doubting my salvation (not allowed). You then wanted to know why I thought the devil was a Christian - which was something that I hadn't said,

I'm not trying to pick an argument. I was trying to answer your OP and explain why I don't like the word "religious".
If you disagree with me, fine - end of conversation.

Vanellus said:

I think the 5 minutes is up Strong in Him.

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Don't understand that at all. Surely you don't expect me to answer you within 5 minutes of posting?

weary2025 said:

Christian spirituality isn't the same as secular

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Spirituality is spirituality.
As I said, I have heard it defined as "whatever gives a person meaning/purpose in life". That may well be someone's religious faith - Christian, Jewish, Muslim etc. Or it may not. But going by that definition - which I was because I've just had a job interview where we discussed that very question - anyone can be spiritual. It's just their spirituality may be centred on agnosticism, nature, karma or whatever, instead of on Christ.

God's Holy Spirit is different to any other spirit, certainly.

Strong in Him said:

Spirituality is spirituality.
As I said, I have heard it defined as "whatever gives a person meaning/purpose in life". That may well be someone's religious faith - Christian, Jewish, Muslim etc. Or it may not. But going by that definition - which I was because I've just had a job interview where we discussed that very question - anyone can be spiritual. It's just their spirituality may be centred on agnosticism, nature, karma or whatever, instead of on Christ.

God's Holy Spirit is different to any other spirit, certainly.

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Paul talks about spiritual people in a good sense

Vanellus said:

Statements along the lines "I'm spiritual not religious" are often made these days. But in the case of true rather than nominal religion isn't this a contradiction? How can one be truly religious but not spiritual especially with regard to the Christian faith which involves being indwelt by the Holy Spirit?

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Hello! When I was in a Pentecostal church 2001-2007 I heard that line several times. Another one was 'Relationship not religion', which I felt was subjective in how it manifested. They also talked of a 'religious spirit'. I think it meant that someone could be going through the motions out of habit or tradition, like attending church events though not really having a saving faith. God Bless You

Over the last several years I have encountered a fair number of Christians who claim they are “spiritual but not religious.” In other words, they do not identify with a particular Christian denomination, using the Bible alone to guide their faith. It’s an ideology that says religious institutions are outdated and unnecessary.

People may reach this conclusion for a multitude of reasons. Some are disillusioned by what they perceive to be corruption and hypocrisy in religious institutions. Others may feel like they are not being “fed.” Others yet may feel that these institutions teach something contrary to their beliefs regarding political and social issues.

Whatever their reasons, we must reach out to these people and take their concerns seriously.

Continued below.

“To claim to be spiritual but not religious is like saying, “I’m a scholar, but I don’t read.”

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Vanellus said:

Statements along the lines "I'm spiritual not religious" are often made these days. But in the case of true rather than nominal religion isn't this a contradiction? How can one be truly religious but not spiritual especially with regard to the Christian faith which involves being indwelt by the Holy Spirit?

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This is a lack of knowledge often exhibited by the children of darkness. An attempt by the blind, a percieved excuse and justification for remaining in the dark.
They smugly speak of things they know nothing of in my experience.
When you explain to them what scriptural religion is, then ask them, what is wrong with this?

"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world," they can find no sufficient response.
Who can find fault with the above?

Let them know that they are looking at the actions of men, not God, and attributing 'mens' behavior to Him.

Another related insufficiently considered statement is this, "I've seen to many hypocrites in church."
To which I reply, Bs, I've frequented
many bars and clubs, and they are filled with phonies and pretenders.
At least those in church recognize their need for change.

These 2 challenges often will lead to a conversation if they have any integrity. If they are simply full of it they will avoid you or avoid that conversation.

Speaking truth regardless of the response is a good thing. The seed is planted. The soil it falls on is between them and the God they don't know yet.

We serve notice.

Vanellus said:

Statements along the lines "I'm spiritual not religious" are often made these days. But in the case of true rather than nominal religion isn't this a contradiction? How can one be truly religious but not spiritual especially with regard to the Christian faith which involves being indwelt by the Holy Spirit?

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Someone claiming to be "spiritual" or "religious" doesn't equate to them being Christian.
There are plenty of spiritual, religious, etc in the world, but being someone who prioritizes their inner life, connection to a higher power or universal consciousness or personal growth over material or physical concerns doesn't mena they are Christian.
People say all kinds of statements about themselves, some which are misleading.
Only those who repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and turn to Him as their Savior are Christian. That's different than being "spiritual" or "religious". There are many denominations and gods, things people worship. But there is only one true God. The God of the Bible.
God gives each of us the choice whether to choose Him or something else.

I'm so very thankful for the supernatural life that the Holy Spirit allows us to access being, "In Christ" and through prayer, the Word and praise and worship. In our prayer closet aka war room we create an environment where the Holy Spirit is welcome. Honestly, as I age God's presence is my true home on this earth. Peace and joy beyond all human understanding. I hunger and thirst for the presence of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

A person can claim all the titles they want, but if they have never believed in Jesus for Eternal Life. Then they are condemned already and will remain condemned. Unless they, "at some point in their life" believe in Jesus for Eternal Life!