Religion & Relationship, mutually inclusive

One of the main catch phrases in modern Protestant circles these days, as I'm sure many of you already know, is "Christianity: a relationship, not a religion."

Now, I fully agree that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the distinction that Christianity makes from all other world religions. To my knowledge, there is not a single world religion that advocates an exchange of friendship with its overarching power -- whether it be God or some other derivation of supreme power. But this also begs the question, "Does this negate the need for religiosity in Christianity?"

Before we begin, it is important to define religion. What is religion, anyway? In Christian community, it is usually associated with man-made things, and not Christianity. The dictionary definition of religion is '"a set or a system of beliefs" concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. 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.' From this definition, if we want to designate all such systems as man-made, then we have already failed in characterizing religion correctly -- for some systems in Christianity are instituted by God Himself, such as baptism and communion. The term "system" itself is too broad to designate it to some sort of pre-conceived notion readily. In fact, if we were to rid ourselves of all systems, we would be void of all that pertains to our religious or normal lives.

For our purpose, I will use two representations of religions. One representation concerns the practicalities of worship, fellowship, and other communal aspects of Christian life. The other representation of religion is closely knitted to the individual side of Christian life, which dictates every moral and ethical decision that a Christian should make.

Religion: A System Through Which God Ministers

Concerning the first representation, let us assume that a system, indeed, is man-made. Now, I do not believe that all man-made systems are inherently evil, not so much as that Christianity should be totally void of it. I do believe that God ministers unto his people through such systems. The Scriptures for one, is a system organized by man. (I am not denying the doctrine of "verbal, plenary inspiration.") Rituals and/or services for another system; church hierarchy and/or organization for the other. But all of these are systems through which God communicates with His people. Also, doctrinal statements or catechism are accepted systems of beliefs which every local body of Christ possesses. God ministers through these, to combat heresy, to protect and educate His people. It would be indeed very difficult for a local church or a denomination to do without one.

On the contrary, if we assume that a system is God-made or God-instituted, then the argument ends there. Let me just say that there are a plenty of Catholics, Anglicans, Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists, and Evangelicals who walk very close with the Lord and yet are "religious," whether they admit it or not. The advocates of "relationship, not religion" must realize that one's religiosity does not necessarily detract from or interfere with one's relationship with Christ. Why? Because John's revelation did not make the existing forms of worship any less true. Because Peter's sermon did not subtract from the technicalities of communion or baptism. Because Paul's evangelical journeys were a result of both his personal relationship with Christ and Christianity, a religious medium in which he chose to express that relationship.

Hence, religion in Christianity is not an inherently futile system. Man-made and God-made systems co-exist in Christianity.

Christianity: A True Religion Of Heart

We continue with the first representation of religion. The Scriptures further confirm the lack of inbred evil in the religious system of Christianity. The actual term "religion" does not appear in the canon until the New Testament, but it is evident even from the Old Testament that there are two religions -- one true and the other false. Christians should learn not to abase their own religion but to distinguish between true and false. In Acts 25:19, Festus lays before King Agrippa the difference between Paul's religion and that of the chief priests and elders of the Jews'. He says, "... they simply had some points of disagreement with him about their own religion and about a dead man, Jesus, whom Paul asserted to be alive." It is clear that the Jews were debating religion with Paul. Although the only religion identified by Festus here is Judaism, it only logically follows that the counterpart of this religious debate also had his own religious base to defend.

Perhaps one of the more difficult passages that pertains to this issue, is Colossians 2:20-23. Paul says:

[20] If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as,

[21] "Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!"

[22] (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)--in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men?

[23] These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.

At initial glance it seems as though Paul is bashing 'religion' in Christianity altogether. But once we examine closely, we find that there are two kinds of religions: one being true and the other false. One relies completely on Christ's sole power for salvation, the other on "commandments and teachings of men," which encourages self-wisdom in "self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence." Paul says it right there. The false religion is the same kind that Isaiah deemed an abomination for its "worthless offerings," the exact kind that Jesus reprimanded for its devotion to heathenlike "vain repetitions." The false religion, is why Jeremiah warned Israelites of their empty formalism with no heart behind it. Whether it's Roman Catholic Rosary or Anglican Nicene Creed or Presbyterian Lord's Prayer or Baptist "your love has captured me" or Charismatic "three cheers for the Lord," this is where heart becomes important. Christian religious systems, void of heart for Christ, is in vain. The Bible does not explicitly define the correct form of worship. Instead, our Lord mandates unity in diversity and earnest hearts in worship.

A relationship with Christ alone -- that is, the faith in Christ, I daresay -- is not all that constitutes a Christian life. Before I feel the stones raining down on me, yes, it is faith in Christ alone which justifies. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen, which, when placed in the atoning death and resurrection of Christ, seals one unto the day of redemption. (Hence Romans and Galatians.) Nonetheless, the Scripture clearly teaches against a type of Christian life in which he or she annuls the need for baptism, communion, or participation in the local fellowship. A Christian life without a church life is... well, like a steak tartar. Frankly said, it is a ludicrous notion.

True Religion Displayed In Our Words & Actions

Concerning the second representation, I will use the Scripture to defend applied religion in a Christian life. James defines the true religion as thus:

"If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." (James 1:26,27)

Once again we see the distinction between true and false religions. True religion being pure and undefiled; False religion being vain and worthless. Christians, being the followers of true religion, must train their tongues and bodies to be the slave of the cause which God has commissioned unto us through the person of Jesus Christ. Too often the notion of 'relationship with Christ' has given one an excuse to act contrary to Christianity. The personal religion of Jesus Christ should not give you an excuse to act like a heathen and showcase your "love" and "immorality," shown to be mutually inclusive to the world.

Yes; too many people think it is enough to be religious or devout. Well, guess what? Too many people think it is enough to have a relationship with Christ and not do anything about it! I think this is where the Reformed doctrine of "perseverance of the saints" becomes so essential. If you are a Christian, then God has sealed you unto the day of redemption. And He who has sealed you, will also give you the power to persevere -- then the good work of the Holy Spirit in your life must be so evident that the godly spirit radiates from you increasingly day after day! "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus" (Phil 1:6).

I am just thankful to see God's evident work in the lives of my close circle of friends. What else can it be? Man's willpower only readily, perpetually fails us. In the words of our Lord, with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Conclusion

Hence, Christianity is neither just religion nor just relationship. When we wish to throw out religiosity from Christianity because of the excessive grace and unmerited gift of salvation from God -- we should remember that intellect is also grace and gift of God, an integral key to understanding our own religion. It is not just 'theological garb'; the most influential Christian in history had a brilliant mind -- Apostle Paul. God chose supreme intellect; though it brought Paul neither his personal salvation nor his close relationship with Christ. Indeed, neither catechism nor rituals, nor hierarchy nor supreme knowledge of the Scriptures can bring us salvation. Christianity the religion is void without a sincere heart for Christ, just as a sincere heart for Christ is void without religion itself. Without partaking in Christian religion, such heart is nothing but insincere.

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A cookie for you if you actually read all that rambling. To be pretentious is the least thing I want to do, but certain things/people/events on facebook instigate me to write things down, sadly.