In society today, we often get asked the question 'Are you religious?' But what does it mean to be religious? Do you have to act a certain way, perform certain acts, or follow certain rules? The definition of religion, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is: an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods. Now think of different types of religions: Christianity, Buddhism, or even Muslim. Now refer to the question in the first sentence.
To Christians:
Are you considered religious? If a person were to ask you if you were religious or not, what would you answer? I know if someone asked me if I was or not, I would answer no and let me tell you why. As explained briefly earlier, there are many different kinds of religion. I only follow one religion and that religion would be Christianity. Even though I am a Christian, I do not consider myself religious. If someone were to ask me why I did not consider myself religious, I would simply tell them this: I do not consider myself to be religious for a few reasons. My main reason would be because I consider having more than just a religion. I consider myself having a personal, intimate relationship with Christ. My next reason would be that I don't follow a certain set of rules because it is required by my religion like many others.
Why Christianity is different:
Christianity is different because the main objective of this religion is to create a relationship with Christ one on one. As Christians, we are not called to follow a certain amount of rules. We are called to draw near to God and follow the guidelines He has laid out for us in the bible. Many religions are a set of rules that a person has to follow in order to gain a certain gods approval or to be considered worthy by whichever god. In Christianity, there is only one God and you do not have to do anything to win God's love, grace, mercy, or approval. Many religions call you to try to be perfect but God does not. God simply calls us to have a relationship and draw near to Him. He knows that we are far from perfect yet loves us anyways. We do not have to follow strict presets in order to be considered worthy by Him. All we have to do is have faith and seek Him. We are altogether worthy and loved and there is absolutely nothing we can do to deserve that or earn it, yet we do.
Why a relationship is different:
In most religions, there is not a personal relationship built with the 'higher power' or god. In Christianity, a personal relationship is built with the creator of the universe, God. Also, many gods did not make scarifies for their followers. God did though. In John 3:16 it says 'so God so loved the world that he gave his one and only begotten son so that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.' God gave the ultimate gift which was His son. Jesus took our place on the cross because He loves us so much. Other gods, you have to earn their worthiness, but not God. By having a personal relationship with God, He can speak to you directly rather than following a generic set of rules. God calls each Christian to follow Him in a certain way. Every Christian, however, has guidelines that they should follow, but when you let Christ change your heart and you form a relationship with Him, He changes young your heart in order for you to follow His plans and good works. No other 'little g god' can be like the God that reigns in heaven.
So now if someone asks you if you are religious referring to you being a Christian, what are you going to say? Remember that Atheism is also a religion too. Show the world what sets you apart from just having a religion to having a personal relationship with Christ.
