tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117970412806233818.post1709672890951967552..comments2024-03-24T12:43:16.575-04:00Comments on Truthbomb : Thoughts on the Claim that Christianity is a Relationship and Not a ReligionChadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449550583016519343noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117970412806233818.post-80142231242789284842016-01-28T15:48:07.273-04:002016-01-28T15:48:07.273-04:00My understanding of people who try to make a dicho...My understanding of people who try to make a dichotomy between religion and relationship, is that they're trying to distance Christianity from the legalistic and the traditional. There certainly are legalistic rules that ought to be rejected, and traditions that ought not be considered gospel. But people have been bad at doing these things. The "relationship not religion" people seem to be trying to discern out legalism and unhelpful tradition. And while that's a good thing, they muddy the waters by labeling these things "religion" and trying to shun "religion." Thus it almost becomes an emotional reaction.<br /><br />These people would say, for instance, that "religion" says they aren't supposed to drink alcohol or be in a bar. That's not religion, though. That's legalism and misunderstanding the Bible.<br /><br />Of course, some people trying to "embrace Jesus, not religion" go to the other extreme and start claiming you don't have to attend church or repent of sins.<br /><br />Still others include under "religion" any kind of church that has a high liturgy. Therefore they won't go to a Catholic, Lutheran, or Presbyterian service because it's liturgical and has an orderly, "ruled" service style. It has "rules", it's "religious," but Christianity isn't about "rules." Being someone who is Lutheran and feels more comfortable in a high liturgy style, I have to personally disagree with this stance. High liturgy is often the result of centuries of traditions coming together. Many don't like this style of worship - and that's fine. But it's a disservice to those who DO like it to say it's "religion" (in the negative sense) and somehow "bad."Youssarianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04867046789306012033noreply@blogger.com