Taking a nuanced view of our phrase of the week.

I want to clarify a few things.

A relationship with Jesus is the only way to be freed from sin’s burden. Religion, instead of being a hindrance to this, can help us better understand and live in that relationship. Of course, that religion must be pointed to its ultimate fulfillment- Jesus.

Religious Semantics

In the description of his viral Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus, Jefferson Bethke describes religion accordingly…

“Religion is man-centered... [it] either ends in pride or despair. Pride because you make a list and can do it and act better than everyone, or despair because you can't do your own list of rules and feel not good enough for God.”

Quite a strong description.

And, if this is what religion is, then I’m with him. Jesus did not come for such a fruitless pursuit.

But what I think Bethke (and those who think similarly) is describing here is hypocritical legalism, not religion in its entirety. 

Pharisees or Followers of the Way?

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a risk all religious people run, but to call all religious practices prideful is quite the generalization.

Because religion, the Christian religion, is also what provides us with our resources for understanding Scripture, gathering as a community of Christ followers, and more. These things, if we’re willing, are integral aids to a good relationship with Jesus.

“It’s a relationship, not a religion” emphasizes salvation not as a work of human effort (the “religion” Bethke refers to) but as a gift of grace from God.

That’s a great reminder.

Because it’s easy to become like the Pharisees, it’s easy to find our worth in the religious acts we do. Salvation is not found in going to Church or reading your Bible, salvation is found in Christ and Christ alone.

But there’s something else to consider here.

Jesus Himself said If you love me, keep my commands (John 14v15). Healthy, Christian religion keeps us reminded of these commands, challenges us to seek God’s grace in them, and helps preserve their truth from generation to generation.

In other words, good religion nourishes the relationship.

So is the phrase “It’s a relationship, not a religion” true? Well, yes, in one sense. But does it also paint an incomplete picture of the Christian life?

Unfortunately, yes.

A relationship with God is the greatest possible state for any human being. And if we want that relationship to grow well we should welcome Christianity as a religion, not shun it.

So rejoice! Because the Law and Prophets have been fulfilled.

For now, be blessed.

Jon,

Theophilus Newsletter