Thursday, August 30, 2012

Religion or Relationship?

“Christianity is not a religion or a philosophy, but a relationship and a lifestyle.”
Rick Warren, “The Purpose Driven Life”

As I interact with people from various walks of life and with different worldviews, one of the consistent messages I hear is that they are not all that into religion.  It surprises those who know that I am a Salvation Army Officer when I tell them that neither am I!  You see religion is a static system of beliefs centred around a spiritual ideal.  Whereas, Christianity is a dynamic relationship centred around Jesus Christ.  Religion offers rituals as a way of trying to reach God, Christianity offers a relationship with God.  Religion demands human initiative to earn God’s favour, Christianity depends upon God’s initiative that grants us His favour.  Religion complicates life, Christianity transforms life.

As you interact with Why Christianity, you will not encounter a theoretical philosophy about religion, but an experiential relationship with Jesus who has radically changed our lives.  You will read about a faith journey which has led us to a fuller revelation of God through the life of Jesus Christ.  Wherever you are on your faith journey, whatever knowledge of God you have, I hope you too will encounter Jesus and engage in a life transforming relationship!

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