What is Religion and is Christianity a Religion?

30Jun11

Christianity is religion. Yes, Christianity is a religion, though some would have us to believe differently. Some leaders of Christianity would have us believe that their institution is certainly not religion, but the one, true way to God. Many Christians believe their specific brand of “Jesus Religion” is all about spirituality and that Christianity is very spiritual. And, they may be somewhat correct. Yet, there seems to be a confusion between defining religion, spirituality and Christianity, and I too will struggle to define them even in this writing.

Let’s first look at religion. Religion itself is a set of practices and beliefs, based upon stories of a higher power, namely God. A religion, seeks to explain the mysteries of the universe through these beliefs. These beliefs are the core of a religion, for upon them believers practice rituals, such as prayer, study, worship, music, and the like. Though seeming good and godly, the practices of religion are always focused on doing. One must “do” something, and that “something” is to look away from ourselves for life answers, often seeking direction for our lives from other sources, be it God, a religious institution, religious leaders, a religious book, etc. Religion teaches we need to look to another to save us.

After defining religion, then we must ask, “Is Christianity a religion?” Yes, it is. Christianity sets forth beliefs and practices based upon stories of a man who we come to know as “Jesus.” Today, most denominations and forms of Christianity found their roots from within early orthodox Christianity, which became organized by the fourth century. Other early Christian beliefs were stamped out by orthodox opponents, effectively being silenced over time.

Though we may not realize it, Christianity is indeed a religion; it is a religion that was crafted through aid of the Roman Empire and eventually was established upon the teachings of New Testament authors. Today, Christianity is simply packaged in many forms in order to attract new believers. Just look at all the different worship styles from which we have to choose: traditional, contemporary, etc.

Religion seeks to establish its own set of beliefs as the truth, focusing on the purpose of the universe and our role within it. Unfortunately, men create such beliefs; then look to have others subscribe to them, even if they are incorrect and used for nefarious purposes. Religion, such as Christianity, always wants believers to feel that their religion is the only one which possesses truth. Therefore, should one elect not to believe in a religion’s teachings, a consequence must be suffered (example: eternal punishment, Hell). This is an example of how fear is used to influence the mind, making it difficult for believers (and non-believers) to consider other views, even if it is obvious that the religion itself is incorrect in its teachings. Believers simply are unable to see it due to the power of fear. Christianity is simply a religion that was created in order to control people through use of fear, further empowering governments and its laws of right and wrong.

To take this further, Jesus did not create Christianity; Christianity created Jesus. Men created their own teachings and simply ascribed them to a man they coined as “Jesus”. This man (Yeshua) stood against such religious ideas, promoting love and peace. And, you may be surprised to read this, some of Yeshua’s real teachings still can be found within the Bible, today.

True spirituality is void of religion, if it is indeed real spirituality. Spirituality is not the same as being religious; for spirituality does not attempt to control people through fear. Religion, and especially Christianity, claims to provide direction for people by steering them to look outside of themselves for answers. Religion will point to books, outward places of worship, outer places of eternity, a leader and the like. Such devices are used to promote fear; for fear is always produced by looking externally.

In contrast,

peace is realized through identifying with our connection to the eternal Spirit that can only be known inwardly.

That is the deeper message that the man who would later be known as Jesus tried to bring to the world. Religion can never grasp this, for it seeks only to promote itself.

- Louis Charles

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Tags: christ, christian, holy spirit, jesus, religion