Pure religion

[Matthias]

From my X / Twitter “For you” feed this morning -

“‘CHRISTIANITY IS A RELATIONSHIP, NOT A RELIGION!’ We’ve been repeating this phrase in Christianity for decades, but … it’s problematic

The longer I’ve done ministry the more I’ve realized this phrase is usually just code for ‘I can live however I want and still claim to love Jesus.’ The majority of Christians who say this are using this term to justify their disobedience and rebellion to God. It’s a way of escaping any accountability and branding it under the banner of love.

The problem with this idea that Christianity isn’t a religion but a relationship is that it sets these two things against themselves as if they are opposing, creating a false dichotomy. It deceives people into thinking that they have to choose between a religion and a relationship.

It’s actually both A RELIGION AND A RELATIONSHIP.

The word religion literally comes from the Latin ‘religare’ which means ‘to bind’ or ‘obligation.’

Binding speaks of a covenant.
Religion is a set of boundaries and expectations that God has to be in relationship with Him.

Helathy relationship requires boundaries and obligations. When I said yes to my husband, I was saying no to every other man. I am now bound to him and I must remain faithful to him for the rest of my days.

If you truly love Jesus - you will honor him.

You will put Him first.

TO LOVE JESUS IS TO OBEY HIS COMMANDS.”

(Millicent Sedra)

Millicent Sedra (@MillicentSedra) on X

“CHRISTIANITY IS A RELATIONSHIP, NOT A RELIGION!” We’ve been repeating this phrase in Christianity for decades, but… it’s problematic The longer I’ve done ministry the more I’ve realised this phrase is usually just code for “I can live however I want and still claim to love

x.com

(Bold is mine.)

 

[Matthias]

From my X / Twitter “For you” feed on this sunny afternoon -

“Hilaire Belloc on the loss of religion:

’When a people lose their religion, they do not merely lose a set of beliefs; they lose the framework within which their whole life was lived, and they are left exposed to every wind of doctrine, every passing enthusiasm, and every tyranny that promises order.’”

Humble Flow (@HumbleFlow) on X

Hilaire Belloc on the loss of religion: “When a people lose their religion, they do not merely lose a set of beliefs; they lose the framework within which their whole life was lived, and they are left exposed to every wind of doctrine, every passing enthusiasm, and every tyranny

x.com

 

[Jay Ross]

“It has been discovered that with a dull urban population, all formed under a mechanical system of State education, a suggestion or command, however senseless and unreasoned, will be obeyed if it be sufficiently repeated.” - Hilaire Belloc

 

[Matthias]

“Make all your theological studies religious exercises.” - B.B. Warfield

 

[Matthias]

“The character of our religion is determined by the character of our theology.” - B.B. Warfield

 

[Matthias]

“IT appears from this closing remark [Deuteronomy 31:47] of Moses, that there were men in his time who thought religion to be vain, although, under the system which then existed, there were many plain proofs of its usefulness: …” C.H. Spurgeon