Christianity Is Not A Religion

[morphyx]

Never was, never will be. Are there people who call themselves "Christians", who adhere to certain dogma and participate in a set of religious practices? Yes. However, they are not Christians, they are simply practicing a religion that they have named Christianity. This is false Christianity and the people involved are referred to in the bible as "tares among wheat". This is the source of confusion for detractors/critics/rejectionists who paint with the broad brush of "All Christians are xyz...", and "All Christianity is yada-yada..."

This is a pretty good article that conveys an accurate depiction and explanation of what Christianity/A Christian is. Source- http://www.gotquestions.org/Christianity.html

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Question: "What is Christianity and what do Christians believe?"

Answer: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 says, “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

In a nutshell, that is the belief of Christianity. Christianity is unique among all other faiths, because Christianity is more about a relationship, rather than religious practice. Instead of adhering to a list of “dos and don’ts,” the goal of a Christian is to cultivate a close walk with God the Father. That relationship is made possible because of the work of Jesus Christ, and the ministry in the life of the Christian by the Holy Spirit.

Christians believe that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God, and that its teaching is the final authority (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21). Christians believe in one God that exists in three persons, the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.

Christians believe that mankind was created specifically to have a relationship with God, but that sin separates all men from God (Romans 5:12, Romans 3:23). Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ walked this earth, fully God, and yet fully man (Philippians 2:6-11), and died on the cross. Christians believe that after His death on the cross, Christ was buried, He rose again, and now lives at the right hand of the Father, making intercession for the believers forever (Hebrews 7:25). Christianity proclaims that Jesus’ death on the cross was sufficient to completely pay the sin debt owed by all men and this is what restores the broken relationship between God and man (Hebrews 9:11-14, Hebrews 10:10, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8).

In order to be saved, one must simply place his faith entirely in the finished work of Christ on the cross. If someone believes that Christ died in his own place and paid the price of his own sins, and rose again, then that person is saved. There is nothing that anyone can do to earn salvation. Nobody can be “good enough” to please God on his or her own, because all of us are sinners (Isaiah 64:6-7, Isaiah 53:6). Secondly, there is nothing more to be done, because Christ has done all the work! When He was on the cross, Jesus said, “It is finished” (John 19:30).

Just as there is nothing one can do to earn salvation, once someone has placed his/her trust in the work of Christ on the cross, there is nothing anyone can do to lose his/her salvation either. Remember, the work was done and completed by Christ! Nothing about salvation is dependent upon the one who receives it! John 10:27-29 states “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand.”

Some may think, “This is great--once I am saved, I can do just as I please, and not lose my salvation!” But salvation is not about being free to do as one pleases. Salvation is becoming free from having to serve the old sin nature, and being free to pursue a right relationship with God. As long as believers live on this earth in their sinful bodies, there will be a constant struggle with giving in to sin. Living in sin hinders the relationship God seeks to have with mankind, and as long as one lives in sin as a believer, he will not enjoy the relationship God intended to have with him. However, Christians can have victory over the struggle with sin by studying and applying God’s Word (the Bible) in their lives, and being controlled by the Holy Spirit--that is, submitting to the Spirit’s influence and leading in everyday circumstances, and through the Spirit obeying God’s Word.

So, while many religious systems require that a person do certain things or not do certain things, Christianity is about having a relationship with God. Christianity is about believing that Christ died on the cross as payment for your own sin, and rose again. Your sin debt is paid and you can have fellowship with God. You can have victory over your sin nature and walk in fellowship and obedience with God. That is true biblical Christianity.

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*footnote. Oftentimes people ask, "Why are Christians always quoting the bible? Can't they think or speak with throwing scripture around?" Christians base their knowledge of God entirely upon the bible. We don't make things up out of thin air. There is a biblical source for each theological position.

For example, I may say, "Jesus is the Son of God." I didn't make that up because it sounds good. I am simply repeating what is written in Matthew 14:23 and elsewhere.

If it's not clearly written out in scripture, then it is speculation, conjecture, or theory. If it IS clearly written out, it is accepted as a "biblical truth". There are then only two arguments; one is The Argument for Interpretation and the other is secular: The Argument of Authenticity and/or Fallibility of Scripture.

The Christian rejects the second argument entirely, as it is the choice of the reader of scripture to decide authority/authenticity/fallibility. The first argument is open for discussion using common hermeneutics and cross reference.

In other words, I did not make up "Jesus is God". It's scriptural. Hence, your argument is not with me, it is with scripture. I simply agree with what is written concerning the deity of Jesus Christ.

[scoobydooby67]

[enevitable]

Originally Posted by morphyx

*footnote. Oftentimes people ask, "Why are Christians always quoting the bible? Can't they think or speak with throwing scripture around?" Christians base their knowledge of God entirely upon the bible. We don't make things up out of thin air. There is a biblical source for each theological position.

Oh dear god please tell me you didn't actually say that, you know how the bible was written right?

Do you not see the GLARINGLY obvious contradictions right before your face?

[Zylark]

This is too easy, but I take my potshots when I can:

Definition of religion: A religion is a set of beliefs and practices often organized around supernatural and moral claims, and often codified as prayer, ritual, and religious law.

Now, please Morphyx, in light of your happiness to quote scripture (christian missionary none the less, out to convert people to the christian religion), how do you figure christianity is not a religion? Or is the definition of religion wrong? Perhaps you have another one? You know, we like some Orwellianism now and again. Doublespeak is fun. What is your take on what religion is?

And I who thought the peak was reached when certain creationists at the Dover trial manged to propose a definition of science that would make astrology, and fairies, valid scientific fields of research

[morphyx]

Oh no, Zylark, your definition of religion is right on. What does that have to do with Christianity? Are you sure you understand what a Christian is?

So tell me, enevitable, how was the bible written? Do you really know? Or, do you think you know?

[Zylark]

Originally Posted by morphyx

Oh no, Zylark, your definition of religion is right on. What does that have to do with Christianity? Are you sure you understand what a Christian is?

Are you trying to tell me that christians do not believe in the supernatural claim that Jesus died on a cross to forgive our original sin? And later got resurrected and ascended to heaven. That is four big supernatural dogmas. Bingo, religion right there. And to get a free pass to heaven you need to follow some "moral" laws, first amongst them, believe in a god, by coincidence, jesus himself and two other gods that supposedly is just one god. My god, pardon the pun, this is complicated theology, gotta be religion then, right?

Not enough? You do realize you only make yourself look silly claiming christianity is anything but religion? Well, ok, it might be a way of life as well. But only if you take the religion too seriously. A mistake if there ever was one. But that is my opinion.

[enevitable]

Originally Posted by morphyx

Oh no, Zylark, your definition of religion is right on. What does that have to do with Christianity? Are you sure you understand what a Christian is?

So tell me, enevitable, how was the bible written? Do you really know? Or, do you think you know?

Uh you are kidding right?

You do know everything about the spread of christianity, the council of nicea, the fact that the bible was actually made by man?

You aren't that thick are you?

You yourself say

Christians base their knowledge of God entirely upon the bible. We don't make things up out of thin air

You do realize that man made the bible, and infact it is made up out of thin air?

Its one thing for Christianity to contradict itself, but you contradict Christianity in all sorts of new ways.

If you can honestly object that the bible wasn't a product of the culture and the time that it was written, then you have truly proved that you know nothing about the own religion you defend.

Pathetic if you ask me.

[thrice54]

Originally Posted by enevitable

If you can honestly object that the bible wasn't a product of the culture and the time that it was written, then you have truly proved that you know nothing about the own religion you defend.

The bible was most likely written over a period of several thousand years. The different books of the old testament were chosen by the council of nicea, because they contained the most relevant material to the history of man's contact with "God". That's what they say it didn't come out of thin air. It was a collection of the writings of proclaimed prophets and many other sources that, because of time, are hard to identify.

Also, all that morphyx was trying to do was explain how christianity works for the individual, he wasn't attempting to convert anyone or impose his beliefs on people. He only wanted to share his understanding of something that's important to him. Yet once again everyone was quick to judge if everyone just wants to constantly challenge one another and argue over the details that's cool have fun. I kind of find it fruitless.

[Zylark]

Originally Posted by thrice54

all that morphyx was trying to do was explain how christianity works for the individual, he wasn't attempting to convert anyone or impose his beliefs on people. He only wanted to share his understanding of something that's important to him. Yet once again everyone was quick to judge if everyone just wants to constantly challenge one another and argue over the details that's cool have fun. I kind of find it fruitless.

Well, that is implied by the situation, isn't it? We're all having fun here, debating. Part of that, is using rethoric. You might find it fruitless, but then again, we're not all you, are we?

And not to harp on the issue, what use is it to go into a thread and ask that the matter at hand should not be discussed for whatever reason? That people do engage in discussion on this theme, should tell you that some do find it an interesting subject of discourse! If you don't like it, don't read it. Don't try to stymie it.

[enevitable]

Originally Posted by thrice54

The bible was most likely written over a period of several thousand years. The different books of the old testament were chosen by the council of nicea, because they contained the most relevant material to the history of man's contact with "God". That's what they say it didn't come out of thin air. It was a collection of the writings of proclaimed prophets and many other sources that, because of time, are hard to identify.

Also, all that morphyx was trying to do was explain how christianity works for the individual, he wasn't attempting to convert anyone or impose his beliefs on people. He only wanted to share his understanding of something that's important to him. Yet once again everyone was quick to judge if everyone just wants to constantly challenge one another and argue over the details that's cool have fun. I kind of find it fruitless.

And I find it fruitless to be as docile as you

[morphyx]

Originally Posted by Zylark

But that is my opinion.

Yes, it is. I'm seriously not trying to jerk your chain, but it's an misinformed one at that. I'm becoming convinced that atheists all read the same peer approved pamphlet and regurgitate it as if they're supplying their own answers.

As for your own independent study and refutation of the book of Nehemiah, what were your findings? Any archaeological or literary studies?

[scoobydooby67]

Originally Posted by morphyx

Yes, it is. I'm seriously not trying to jerk your chain, but it's an misinformed one at that.

so your perspective is the right one.

thank god thats cleared up.

Originally Posted by Zylark

red herrings.

nuff said.

[Zylark]

Quoting out of context to make a point, oh good Morphyx. We've not ever seen that from true believers. You do remember the context of living religion is taking it to serious, that is a bad thing, and that was my opinion, right? Still agree? As a christian missionary? Living the faith?

And you've not even tried to explain how christianity do not fall within the definition of religion, but instead wandered off on red herrings. I wont have it, you're not getting off the hook that easily.

Now tell my how christianity is not a religion, keeping in mind its supernatural dogmas.

[enevitable]

Originally Posted by morphyx

Yes, it is. I'm seriously not trying to jerk your chain, but it's an misinformed one at that. I'm becoming convinced that atheists all read the same peer approved pamphlet and regurgitate it as if they're supplying their own answers.

As for your own independent study and refutation of the book of Nehemiah, what were your findings? Any archaeological or literary studies?

do you have any idea just how ironic that statement is?

[morphyx]

Uh you are kidding right?

You do know everything about the spread of christianity,

Please, tell me how it was spread.

the council of nicea,

Yes? What happened there?

the fact that the bible was actually made by man?

Really? Says ...you?

You do realize that man made the bible, and infact it is made up out of thin air?

What makes you say that? How have you come to this conclusion?

Its one thing for Christianity to contradict itself, but you contradict Christianity in all sorts of new ways.

???
If you can honestly object that the bible wasn't a product of the culture and the time that it was written, then you have truly proved that you know nothing about the own religion you defend.

How do you explain almost 2 billion Christians worldwide if it was so "2000 years ago"?

Pathetic if you ask me.

What's pathetic enevitable? Admit that you have not undertaken a complete and in-depth study of the bible. You know you didn't form your opinion from a deductive study. You've read anti-websites and lit that fit your "belief system".

I know this is true, because of your misinformed statements and questions. You are making claims that you "heard" from other sources, not read for yourself in the bible.

Zylark is even more misinformed. What I can't believe here, is that after all the bible debates you guys have probably been involved in, these are the statements you two are making and the questions your asking?

I'm disappointed. Atheism rejects you both. hahaha.