Are you religious,

[Osage Bluestem]

or do you know Christ?

Please don't respond to me personally. Do not try to analyze me or my thoughts.

Please respond to the question and analyze the implications of it among yourselves.

I would like to read your thoughts and analyze your input and see where this goes without my participation.

Thanks,

David

 

[Hishandmaiden]

I know Christ. I walk with Him on a daily basis.

 

[twin1954]

or do you know Christ?

Please don't respond to me personally. Do not try to analyze me or my thoughts.

Please respond to the question and analyze the implications of it among yourselves.

I would like to read your thoughts and analyze your input and see where this goes without my participation.

Thanks,

David

Far too many in this world who call themselves "Christians" are nothing but religious. They have a religion that they practice and a system of works that they religiously follow but the love and grace of Christ has never entered into their hearts. Religion is always about things; is this thing sin or that thing, how do I live, how do I manage my money, how do I get a blessing from God and a thousand other things. Truth and salvation isn't about things it is about a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Religion gives you something to do but truth about Christ makes you rest in Him.

Religion either robs you of any peace because you aren't doing enough and never can or it makes you a self-righteous hypocrite. The truth concerning God's Son gives peace that passes understanding and freedom to actually work because you love Him not because you are trying to get something.

Religion is damning to your soul but Christ and His love shed abroad in your heart gives life and hope and peace and joy beyond measure.

Religion deceives you into thinking everything is OK. Faith in Christ alone makes you have no hope except He has done it all.

 

[JM]

I know Him. He is my King, my dearest brother, creator of all things, all merciful, all holy, my redeemer and I am humbled at the mention of His name...

 

[AMR]

I do not think it is either/or as implied.

Religion is not a bad word and attempts to cast it in that light without plenty of careful qualification are misdirected. Usually such attempts include redefining the very meaning of the word. That will not do.

 

[Unix]

Even though I don't view all forms of religiosity positively, be it non-orthodox Christian or almost Christian, I agree with AMR. I'm a bit non-orthodox, non-conformist religious Christian.

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

I do not think it is either/or as implied.

Religion is not a bad word and attempts to cast it in that light without plenty of careful qualification are misdirected. Usually such attempts include redefining the very meaning of the word. That will not do.

There was a time when I would have disagreed, but I tend to agree, if I am not mistaken, Charles Hodge shed some much needed light on the term "religion", in his systematic theology.

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzqTFNfeDnE

 

[JustAsIam77]

I'm not bound by religion per se but know the gospel as revealed to me through the Holy Spirit.

 

[Awaken4Christ]

Semantics.

I believe there is lifeless religiousness
But I also think there is a religiousness found in the regenerating heart.

The two can't be more further apart

On another note, I could totally see a congregation holding their breath when a preacher uses that word in a more positive light; all these little heresy lights going off in people's brains until the preacher gives the punchline.

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

Semantics.

I believe there is lifeless religiousness
But I also think there is a religiousness found in the regenerating heart.

The two can't be more further apart

On another note, I could totally see a congregation holding their breath when a preacher uses that word in a more positive light; all these little heresy lights going off in people's brains until the preacher gives the punchline.

So there is true religion, and false religion, even within the one true religion established by the God of the Bible.

Closer to Pharisee lights...