Why Christianity Is Not A Religion

[BibleLover]

Throughout history followers of religion, whether polytheistic, pantheistic, dualistic, or monotheistic all share one common quality. They are selfish. They follow the religion for their own benefit to either get something from their god or to prevent something bad from befalling them. Their gods are unreachable and impersonal.

Christianity is distinctive because its followers seek to be selfless, not to selfishly get something. They, in fact practice unselfish giving without expecting anything in return. They are Christians because they love God in response to His love.

 

[LearningToLetGo]

Christianity is distinctive because its followers seek to be selfless, not to selfishly get something.

What of salvation? Is that not getting something?

 

[BibleLover]

What of salvation? Is that not getting something?

You can't be a Christian unless you're saved and practicing those things that are the will of God.

 

[LearningToLetGo]

You can't be a Christian unless you're saved and practicing those things that are the will of God.

I meant to ask how many are Christian solely to receive salvation?

Here's a simple thought experiment: if Jesus told a believer upon death that they were to go to Hell, would they ( the believer ) still accept God's will as good and just?

 

[BibleLover]

I meant to ask how many are Christian solely to receive salvation?

Here's a simple thought experiment: if Jesus told a believer upon death that they were to go to Hell, would they ( the believer ) still accept God's will as good and just?

I'd prefer that we keep this thread on the topic of comparing the character of Christianity with that of other religions.

You have some good questions that would make for good discussion. How about opening a thread yourself on the topic. I would be very interested in such a discussion.

God bless you

 

[LearningToLetGo]

I'd prefer that we keep this thread on the topic of comparing the character of Christianity with that of other religions.

Of course. My apologies.

I have heard it said that Christianity is not a religion for the simple fact that it is true

 

[thenami]

religion​

noun​

re·li·gion ri-ˈli-jən

Synonyms of religion
1
: a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices

2
a(1)
: the service and worship of God or the supernatural
(2)
: commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
b
: the state of a religious
a nun in her 20th year of religion


3
: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith

4
archaic : scrupulous conformity : conscientiousness

religionless
ri-ˈli-jən-ləs
adjective

 

[BibleLover]

religion​

noun​

re·li·gion ri-ˈli-jən

Synonyms of religion
1
: a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices

2
a(1)
: the service and worship of God or the supernatural
(2)
: commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
b
: the state of a religious
a nun in her 20th year of religion


3
: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith

4
archaic : scrupulous conformity : conscientiousness

religionless
ri-ˈli-jən-ləs
adjective

You obviously missed the point and don't understand.

 

[thenami]

"Christianity is not a religion because it does not involve humanity's attempt to reach God through works, but rather God's attempt to reach humanity through a personal relationship with His human creation", which does not fit the definition. I get it, however I was pointing out the contradiction that does exist. Peace out. This was a wonderful reminder not to post in discussions. I humbly thank you.

 

[Major]

Of course. My apologies.

I have heard it said that Christianity is not a religion for the simple fact that it is true

Correct.

Christianity is a PERSON.....Christ!

 

[cocoa]

I dont disagree with your overall statement but I disagree that Christianity isn't a religion. It's a religion by the traditional definition but it's not like all the others.
Well... it's not supposed to be.

Throughout history followers of religion, whether polytheistic, pantheistic, dualistic, or monotheistic all share one common quality. They are selfish. They follow the religion for their own benefit to either get something from their god or to prevent something bad from befalling them. Their gods are unreachable and impersonal.

New Thought / Prosperity Christianity is transactional and much about how God can bless one with earthly goods, and fulfill your dreams if you'd just trust Him enough. If you believe enough and chant vain repetitions over the offering, you can be rich and prosperous. And those who suffer with illness, are being punished or remain sick because they dont have enough faith. The mind is weak, therefore the body is weak.

 

[BibleLover]

I dont disagree with your overall statement but I disagree that Christianity isn't a religion. It's a religion by the traditional definition but it's not like all the others.
Well... it's not supposed to be.


New Thought / Prosperity Christianity is transactional and much about how God can bless one with earthly goods, and fulfill your dreams if you'd just trust Him enough. If you believe enough and chant vain repetitions over the offering, you can be rich and prosperous. And those who suffer with illness, are being punished or remain sick because they dont have enough faith. The mind is weak, therefore the body is weak.

I question the authenticity of the Christian faith held by the prosperity gospel proponents. The idea that we can manipulate God by means magical processes is rank heresy, and heretics don't belong to genuine Christian faith. You are right to place them in the same class as other religionists.

In the beginning, before the name Christian was attached at Antioch to Christ's follower, they were known as followers of "the way", meaning that Christ was the cornerstone of their way of life. Those who are genuine Christians are people for whom Jesus is the center of their lives, and their lifestyle reflects that. Their relationship with God is not transactional, but covenantal, with God being the covenant maker, and that covenant established solely for the purpose of dispensing unconditional grace to members of His family. That's not religion by associative definition because it's not transactional like all other religions practiced by humanity.

 

[Major]

I dont disagree with your overall statement but I disagree that Christianity isn't a religion. It's a religion by the traditional definition but it's not like all the others.
Well... it's not supposed to be.


New Thought / Prosperity Christianity is transactional and much about how God can bless one with earthly goods, and fulfill your dreams if you'd just trust Him enough. If you believe enough and chant vain repetitions over the offering, you can be rich and prosperous. And those who suffer with illness, are being punished or remain sick because they dont have enough faith. The mind is weak, therefore the body is weak.

That is the definition of the "Force" that Luke Skywalker used.

Others would say that it is the Santa Claus doctrine.

Our desire to be prosperous is so strong that we are drawn to this teaching like a moth to a flame. The promise of prosperity, wedded to spirituality, offers hope, health, financial help, and a relationship with God all at once.

Preachers of prosperity also tell us what we want to believe. They speak directly to the "Sin Nature" of all men.

The premise of prosperity preaching or Word of Faith teaching is that, because God is good, He wills that His children should prosper in health, wealth, and happiness. And because He is rich, He can make it happen. It can become difficult to separate biblical fact from man-made fiction.

All of this in spite of 1 Timothy 6:9 which warns..........
“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.”