I realize that "Christianity is not a religion" is not a conventional Christian claim, nor is it one that is made by most Christians.
It's an interesting claim nevertheless.
I will offer a rebuttal.
Christianity advocates a belief in a supernatural power that controls human destiny.
Christianity has members by virtue of their common subscription to a historical narrative with various human figures and episodes in it.
Christianity has specific beliefs and doctrines that are proclaimed as real and true without the necessity of proof that would satisfy non-members.
Christianity has its own, exclusive, designated 'holy' literature along with ceremonies and incantations etc., and the theology offers something in return for adherence.
Christianity is an organized and well documented effort on the part of groups of humans, and their constituent individuals, to try to gain the approbation of some perceived divine authority.
Christianity is most certainly a religion.
Who wants to make the case in favor of the motion: "Christianity is not a religion"?
Originally posted by Nick BourbakiIt is both with the most important part being God has called us into His
I realize that "Christianity is not a religion" is not a conventional Christian claim, nor is it one that is made by most Christians.
It's an interesting claim nevertheless.
I will offer a rebuttal.
Christianity advocates a belief in a supernatural power that controls human destiny.
Christianity has members by virtue of their common subsc ...[text shortened]... ligion.
Who wants to make the case in favor of the motion: "Christianity is not a religion"?
Kingdom to walk with Him and learn of Him. If God is not a part of our lives
than we have nothing but a belief system not unlike any other. There is a
very different foundation with Christianity and all other belief systems which
is that God sent His Son Jesus to die for us and call us out, justify us. While
all other belief systems have us justifying ourselves before God.
Kelly
16 Mar 14
Originally posted by KellyJayThe fact that Christianity is "different" - or even "very different" - from other religions (all religions are "different" from each other, aren't they?) does not make Christianity "not a religion".
It is both with the most important part being God has called us into His Kingdom to walk with Him and learn of Him. If God is not a part of our lives than we have nothing but a belief system not unlike any other. There is a very different foundation with Christianity and all other belief systems which is that God sent His Son Jesus to die for us and call us out, justify us. While all other belief systems have us justifying ourselves before God.
Kelly
16 Mar 14
Originally posted by Nick BourbakiWell in the same concept, what of Islam, or Buddist, and all the other religions?
I realize that "Christianity is not a religion" is not a conventional Christian claim, nor is it one that is made by most Christians.
It's an interesting claim nevertheless.
I will offer a rebuttal.
Christianity advocates a belief in a supernatural power that controls human destiny.
Christianity has members by virtue of their common subsc ...[text shortened]... ligion.
Who wants to make the case in favor of the motion: "Christianity is not a religion"?
16 Mar 14
Originally posted by PudgenikThey are religions for the same sorts of reasons as Christianity is. Here is a shorter version of my OP:
Well in the same concept, what of Islam, or Buddist, and all the other religions?
Christianity is a religion because...
1. it advocates a belief in a supernatural and divine authority
2. it has a membership defined by a common narrative and efforts
3. it has specific beliefs and doctrines not accepted by non-members.
4. it has designated literature and a theology creating a moral code
You can take theistic religions like Islam and Judaism and replace "Christianity" with them above the list of four characteristics.
16 Mar 14
Originally posted by KellyJayThis would fall mostly under number 3 below...
There is a very different foundation with Christianity and all other belief systems which is that God sent His Son Jesus to die for us and call us out, justify us.
Christianity is a religion because...
1. it advocates a belief in a supernatural and divine authority
2. it has a membership defined by a common narrative and efforts
3. it has specific beliefs and doctrines not accepted by non-members.
4. it has designated literature and a theology creating a moral code
16 Mar 14
Originally posted by Nick BourbakiUnlike the others religions, Islam, Buddist etc.
They are religions for the same sorts of reasons as Christianity is. Here is a shorter version of my OP:
Christianity is a religion because...
1. it advocates a belief in a supernatural and divine authority
2. it has a membership defined by a common narrative and efforts
3. it has specific beliefs and doctrines not accepted by non-members.
4. i ...[text shortened]... e Islam and Judaism and replace "Christianity" with them above the list of four characteristics.
There is a quality about my God that is often overlooked by many Christian churches. That all are God's children, whether they know it or not. I'm not talking just "Christians", i'm talking everyone.
Yes, it is written in our bible, "those who know the law will be judged by the law, and those who do not know the law will be judged by the law written in there hearts."
This is an open door to everyone. Atheist included. And from my own experience, the churches won't save you. It is where your heart is. That is, in loving your fellow neighbors, or even reaching out in compassion to anyone. This is what my God loves.
16 Mar 14
Originally posted by PudgenikSo are you saying "Christianity is not a religion" or "Christianity is a religion"?
Unlike the others religions, Islam, Buddist etc.
There is a quality about my God that is often overlooked by many Christian churches. That all are God's children, whether they know it or not. I'm not talking just "Christians", i'm talking everyone.
Yes, it is written in our bible, "those who know the law will be judged by the law, and those who do no ...[text shortened]... your fellow neighbors, or even reaching out in compassion to anyone. This is what my God loves.
16 Mar 14
1 edit
Originally posted by Nick BourbakiWhat is a religion to you? Two or more people believing in the same teachings of a given person. Using the same principles and ideologies, then yes. Christianity is a religion.
So are you saying "Christianity is not a religion" or "Christianity is a religion"?
To us Jesus said to Peter, "you are rock, and upon this rock i will build my church"
16 Mar 14
Originally posted by Nick BourbakiBut religion is man seeking a god.
I realize that "Christianity is not a religion" is not a conventional Christian claim, nor is it one that is made by most Christians.
It's an interesting claim nevertheless.
I will offer a rebuttal.
Christianity advocates a belief in a supernatural power that controls human destiny.
Christianity has members by virtue of their common subsc ...[text shortened]... ligion.
Who wants to make the case in favor of the motion: "Christianity is not a religion"?
Christianity is God seeking man.
Buddhism is a philosophy as well.
16 Mar 14
2 edits
Originally posted by Nick BourbakiYou did see where I said it was both?
The fact that Christianity is "different" - or even "very different" - from other religions (all religions are "different" from each other, aren't they?) does not make Christianity "not a religion".
The most important part of Christianity, is that it is a relationship started
by God not us.
Kelly (he)
16 Mar 14
Originally posted by KellyJayOh I read it again. OK, so I suppose I'll count that as a "Christianity is a religion" then seeing as some part of you has acknowledged that it is.
You did see where I said it was both?
The most important part of Christianity, is that it is a relationship started
by God not us.
Kelly (he)
The most important part of Christianity, is that it is a relationship started by God not us.
This would be a picture of 1 and 3 I think:
1. it advocates a belief in a supernatural and divine authority
3. it has specific beliefs and doctrines not accepted by non-members.