Religion vs Christianity

[FM2]

Religion vs Christianity

Have you ever wondered if there are differences about this or are they the same? There is a distinct difference between organized religion and Christianity. I’m going to try and point out the differences because there seems to be many seekers here and hopefully this might help to bring a decision for someone trying to find a church home.

I’ll start off by pointing out organized religion denominations. There are many denominations such at Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, Presbyterian, Assemblies of God, Mormonism (Church of Latter Day Saints), Church of Christ, Seventh Day Adventists, Episcopal, Foursquare, Calvary Chapel, Methodists, Nazarene’s and others. This list seems long and can cause confusion to the person seeking a home church. Some questions could be; which church should I go? What is their doctrine? What sacraments are required? How is salvation taught? What is the history of the church? What are the tithing requirements? These are just a few questions a person may have and I would encourage seekers to ask them. There are differences between denominations and as a person is seeking hopefully the differences will become clear. Generally all denominations call themselves Christians but they may be teaching from other books written for their particular denomination, which generally are books that have interpreted the bible to fit into a set of requirements or definitions that line up with their doctrine. Many times the teachings of these books can help but they also can become the set of “rules” by which a member must follow to belong to that denomination. This is where biblical issues can become clouded and confusing especially to the new seekers or believers. What I believe the central issue of any denomination is salvation. We live relatively short physical lives in comparison to eternity so salvation is extremely important. There are glaring differences between denominations on how to attain salvation. Many believe you need to be a good person, do good deeds, don’t cheat or lie, never steal, give at least 10% of your income or more to the church. These are all great attributes but these and are called “works”. You have to “work” your way into heaven. This is not true and an example would be how many people do you know that are “good” people and live a good life yet don’t know Jesus Christ. The bible promises “good people” will not get into heaven.

The major difference between Christianity and organized religion is that Jesus Christ died for our sins and if a person confesses with their mouth they are a sinner, believe Jesus died for their sins and accepts Jesus into their life then you will receive the gift of salvation. This may seem too simple on the surface but this is the first step of the transformation into a believer. Once a person accepts Christ they then will receive the gift of salvation. God is in heaven and Jesus says in John 14:6, I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. That’s it, believe in Jesus Christ and you are now a believer and have eternal life and when you pass on from this earthly paradise you will be in heaven with God! This is where the difference of organized religion and Christianity are separate. Being a Christian of a non-denominational faith means you don’t have to follow all of the rules and regulations that organized religion has that can lead you to believe has to be met to be assured of salvation. I grew up in an Episcopal home and I knew more about the church than I did about Jesus. This is because the church wanted me to be a good steward of their doctrine! I currently belong to an independent/non-denomination (Beaverton Christian church, 4000 members) church that teaches only from the bible and we learn only from God’s word and no other interpretation. Now I will add it’s not easy being a strong follower of Jesus Christ because the bible clearly teaches us what is right and wrong. I personally prefer to live by God’s words and not interpretations of His word as defined by organized religion.

Finally I want to say I embrace and love everyone, in no way am I putting down any denomination as I think they all have strengths and weaknesses. But there have been questions about this subject and I was hopefully attempting to clarify this in as short of an explanation as possible.

Also if you think you are ready to accept Christ into your heart here is a prayer for you!

God I am a sinner, I have done things wrong in my life and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I am ready to receive your gift of eternal life and invite you Jesus to become the Lord of my life.

If you prayed that prayer and need someone to talk to I would be more than happy to meet with you, talk on the phone or even email. My email address is: keitht@rescuemusic.com so please don’t hesitate to contact me!

Blessings to all,
Keith

[Chromaflage]

Keith, your commentary this issue is very gracious. I would like to add to it if I may. First of all, during a confusing time in my life, with respect to spiritual matters and salvation, I had a tough time with the so called "organized religion." That particular term, to some, implies a certain negativity toward established denominations. As you well know, in Revelation, through John, Jesus addressed the 7 churches of Asia Minor. These churches could, in fact, be vewied as the original 7 denominations, as they were comprised of people who held similar views and were of similar socioeconimic status. Further, most of the traditions that even nondemoninational churches still hold have deep Roman Catholic roots.


Generally all denominations call themselves Christians but they may be teaching from other books written for their particular denomination, which generally are books that have interpreted the bible to fit into a set of requirements or definitions that line up with their doctrine.


Although this may be true for some, but all is pretty inclusive. Also, I think the term "requirements" overstates the criteria for membership within a church. Rather, I would offer that documents are generated by denominations that summarize their core beliefs - some call them catechisms, others may refer to them as statements of faith. These documents are typically historical in nature and most try to support their positions scripturally.


There are glaring differences between denominations on how to attain salvation.


For some yes. But, years ago, in my own search for a "home church" I found that fundamentally, the core tenets of most truly Christian denominations are usually pretty similar. As you elloquently stated, it's about a belief in Christ.


The major difference between Christianity and organized religion is that Jesus Christ died for our sins and if a person confesses with their mouth they are a sinner, believe Jesus died for their sins and accepts Jesus into their life then you will receive the gift of salvation.


I agree wholeheartedly that a belief in Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation; however, I view this as more a commonality between most truly Christian denominations.


That’s it, believe in Jesus Christ and you are now a believer and have eternal life and when you pass on from this earthly paradise you will be in heaven with God! This is where the difference of organized religion and Christianity are separate.


Again,this statement may cause more confusion than provide clarification. I'm not sure it's clear about the "difference." I know you stated that you are not slamming any particular denomination or organized religion, but with all due respect this does smack a bit of spiritual arrogance. I think a more valid comparison is that of "being religious" and "being a Christian." There are some fine, biblically based denomitions out there.


Being a Christian of a non-denominational faith means you don’t have to follow all of the rules and regulations that organized religion has that can lead you to believe has to be met to be assured of salvation.


Really? Every church, including non-denominational churches, have some statement of faith. It's a bit misleading to imply that only non-denominational churches don't have rules and regulations. It's more about HOW they present the gospel and the FREE gift of salvation that only God can provide and has provided through is son Jesus Christ.


I personally prefer to live by God’s words and not interpretations of His word as defined by organized religion.


Now, here is where someone might get offended. I was raised Conservative Baptist. I spent a lot of time in my late teens and young adult years church hopping. I found that regardless of where I went, there were strengths and weaknesses. Once married, I started to attend a Lutheran Church and have been there ever since. Do I agree with everything in their doctrine? No. Would I ever agree with any church's complete doctrine? Not likely. BUT, I spend time in the Word and test those in leadership who present doctrinal issues. The fundamental, core beliefs of the church I attend are the same as yours, my brother. And LCMS is probably one of the largest protestant denominations in the country - not that there is much significance in that, but just an illustration of how I think you might be being a bit too generalistic in your comparison.


Finally I want to say I embrace and love everyone, in no way am I putting down any denomination as I think they all have strengths and weaknesses.


Yes, and there are just as many nondenominational churchs with strengths and weeknesses as well.

The most important thing I want to add is that God's gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is absolutely FREE!!! You can't earn it, you can't buy it (nope, not even for 10% of your income every month), you can't trade for it and you can't steel it. You can however, claim it as yours, as Keith described. God will lead you where he wants you to be. God has posted open seats for all in heaven. You just have to reply! I feel that God has placed me in the church I attend for a reason. And until He calls me to go elsewhere, that's where I'll be.

Being a Christian is not about choosing between a nondemonimational church and one that's considered "organized." In fact, it's not about going to church every Sunday or feeding the homeless every weekend or tithing 10% every month. It's about understanding that we, as people, because of our sinful nature, are eternally separated from God, and the only way back to Him is through a personal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.

One other thing, then I'll shut up. Christianity is not about the "can't do's" or the "have to's" but it's more about the "get to's." - Mike Warnke

YBIC

Kerry

[fishnwHim]

quote:"God has posted open seats for all in heaven. You just have to reply!"

I've got a seat reserved WHAHOOOOOOOOO !!! :wave: :wave:

[Catching Nemo]

FM2,

I understand you have good intent and want to help others find Christ :cheers:. However, the way you presented your ideas comes across as divisive and somewhat uninformed.



Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Sola Scriptura


We are saved by the grace of God alone -- not by anything we do;

Our salvation is through faith alone -- we only need to believe that our sins are forgiven for Christ's sake, who died to redeem us;

The Bible is the only norm of doctrine and life -- the only true standard by which teachings and doctrines are to be judged.



This is the view expoused by my denominational faith. Is it really all that different from your "non-denominational" church? Most "non-denominational" faiths (if not all) hold similar views and/or are descended from the original "protest"ant movement in the early 1500's.

The problem with any "organized" religion ( including non-denom's)(they are just as organized and doctrinalized) is the potential for creating an atmosphere of "going thru the motions" and/or creating feelings of superiority over other faiths and practices. In effect, they have become "doctrinalized" in their particular practice - often without even knowing it.

I firmly believe, that it is up to the individual to find and accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. I also believe that a person can do so within the context of any denomination or non-denominational place of worship.

I do not hold with the idea of "works", "indulgences" or the necessity of the Saints or the Virgin Mary to intercede on my behalf. If I did, then I would be Catholic and not a Lutheran. However, that does not mean that I feel Catholics can not search, find and also be saved by Christ.

Maybe there is a little Agnostic (not sure if that is the right term but seems closest) in me but I would like to believe that many are able to search for and be saved by Christ. It just might not happen in the same manner or in such a way that I would always personally recognize.

In the end, "who are we?" to judge and to speak for God on any of these matters.


:cheers:

[FM2]

I apologize if this wasn't the best written piece regarding differences. I was trying to keep it short and was hopefully trying to reach one person that might have had this question in their mind. I really didn't expect to get dissected to this extent but maybe that is why there are two sides to a coin and no two snowflakes are the same. I'm sorry if this seems divisive but there was absolutely no intention of giving this impression and I even tried in few words to explain this. This is what I see as a problem with believers today, instead of looking at the intent of trying to reach someone that may be looking to receive Jesus Christ the posters choose to miss the meaning and give an explanation with everything that is wrong. Wake up folks! We are all God's children and until we can learn to work together to build the kingdom there will be ongoing disputes. How do you think a non-believer or a seeker would interpet this thread? I don't think they would have warm fuzzy's seeing others pointing out what's wrong, is divisive and uninformed. This is really sad for the people that come here looking for help.

Blessings,
Keith

[happybrew]

I do not hold with the idea of "works", "indulgences" or the necessity of the Saints or the Virgin Mary to intercede on my behalf. If I did, then I would be Catholic and not a Lutheran. However, that does not mean that I feel Catholics can not search, find and also be saved by Christ.




Just a small point of clarification, as this is something that many people misunderstand, probably because of Catholics!

The Catholic Church does not teach that we are saved by works. It teaches that we are saved by grace, through faith.

The Catholic Church does not teach about the necessity of intersession of the saints, only about its actuality. Just as you can ask your friends to pray for you, you can ask your older brothers and sisters in Christ who have gone before you. You don't have to do this, but you can. It's your choice. It also doesn't replace the necessity of going directly to Jesus.

happybrew

[Chromaflage]

Keith, I like to look at this as more of an honesty issue. This truly illustrates that even those with the same core values can differ on details, yet ultimately share the same result. And, I'm sorry, but the implications that non-denominational churches are categorically superior to denominational churches warranted the challenge.

Kerry

[FM2]

I don't know how many ways I can explain it but again there is no intent to say one is superior to another. The post was merely exposing differences and that is the honest truth. Let's agree to disagee and give respect to those who lurk and are seeking. That is the sole purpose. As I said, I didn't want to write a novel length post giving every detail so is that hard to accept? I'm sure you would debate this over and over but you know the mission I'm on and that is to build God's Kingdom based on the bible and nothing else.

Blessings,
Keith

[Catching Nemo]

I do not hold with the idea of "works", "indulgences" or the necessity of the Saints or the Virgin Mary to intercede on my behalf. If I did, then I would be Catholic and not a Lutheran. However, that does not mean that I feel Catholics can not search, find and also be saved by Christ.




Just a small point of clarification, as this is something that many people misunderstand, probably because of Catholics!

The Catholic Church does not teach that we are saved by works. It teaches that we are saved by grace, through faith.

The Catholic Church does not teach about the necessity of intersession of the saints, only about its actuality. Just as you can ask your friends to pray for you, you can ask your older brothers and sisters in Christ who have gone before you. You don't have to do this, but you can. It's your choice. It also doesn't replace the necessity of going directly to Jesus.

happybrew



:redface:Thanks for setting me straight on that one and handling it like you did.
:cheers:

[SKP]

quote:"God has posted open seats for all in heaven. You just have to reply!"



I like it, I like it fishnwHim!!! That's straight Bible, my friends, no religion at all!!!

Romans 10:13 "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved".

Romans 10:9 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thy heart that god raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved".

Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works lest any man should boast"

And many, many like that posted in the Bible.

You want to go to heaven? You can only go God's way. Any man can go to heaven if they take God up on the free open seat posted in His Word.

SKP :cool: