From Dictionary.com:
Religion
noun
1.
a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creationof a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
2.
a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
3.
the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
4.
the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
5.
This is a dirty word in most churches. You could drop the f-bomb, and they wouldn't be as offended as they would be if you said, "Christianity is my religion." (This is probably an exaggeration, but bear with me.)
the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
This is a dirty word in most churches. You could drop the f-bomb, and they wouldn't be as offended as they would be if you said, "Christianity is my religion." (This is probably an exaggeration, but bear with me.)
Yes, I've spouted "It's not about religion, it's about a relationship" several times over the course of my life. Yeah, the relationship part is really important.
Some people take this too far. When I can't say, "Christianity is my religion," and somebody tells me they don't have a religion (yet they're a Christian), it rankles me.
"Religion" is just a word. Just like any other word. I don't understand how some Christians get so riled up over it.
Set of beliefs. Adherence to a moral code. Devotion. How--why, why my dear Christians, is this such a bad word?
Maybe it's the label stigma. I happen to like labels. I like being able to classify such and such with this certain term. Yeah, some things can't be labeled (those are the Specials--which is still labeling, by the way), but most stuff can be.
Christianity is, as far as labels are concerned, my religion. In practice, I am a Ragamuffin.
Christianity has a set of beliefs. It's about the devotion to a God, and more importantly, His devotion to His people. It is attempted adherence to His laws. Ladies and Gentlemen, Christianity is a religion.
Religion. Religion. REE-LIH-JUN. Say it with me, Christians.
I like this. Christianity is more than religion though. But, you know that! :) I don't think religion is a "dirty" word, i'm just not one for labels. I don't want to fit in the crowd, I want to stick out of the ordinary Christianity religion. But I totally agree with you, religion shouldn't be classified as un-clean. I know plenty of religious people that are awesome Christians.
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