In a recent study, done by LifeWay Research (USA Today article), 18 to 29 year-olds claim to be Christian. However, the study also says the group sees themselves as “more spiritual than religious”. Never mind the two terms are synonymous. These two findings seem to be very contradictory. How can you claim to be a Christian, but not religious?
Have we forgotten (or maybe we never learned) what the term “Christian” means? The Greek word “Christianos” means “follower of Christ”. Hmm. Next question. What does it mean to follow Christ? Well, we would have to study the life of Jesus to know him and to understand how he lived. As we do so, we would change our own lives to mirror his.
Ok, that’s what it means to be a Christian. But, what does it mean to be religious? And was Jesus religious? According to its definition, to be religious, one must have or show a belief in and veneration/respect for God, especially as it is reflected in the practice of religion. Religious implies adherence to religion in both belief and practice.
I think it’s safe to say Jesus demonstrated an adherence to religion in both belief and practice throughout his life. He had a relationship with his Father in heaven, which was demonstrated by his teachings, prayers, fasting and other spiritual disciplines. His character also attested to his faith. Jesus was truly a courageous man. He walked the road to the cross, knowingly. He even told his disciples as they approached Jerusalem of his death. Yet, he walked the road anyway.
Jesus was also compassionate. We can read about numerous encounters Jesus had with society’s outcasts. He healed the sick and dined with lepers. He showed compassion toward men and women trapped in their own sin. And he forgave them. Remember the story of Mary Magdalene? Mary had been condemned to death by society because of her adultery. Jesus intervened. He forgave her and instructed her to go and sin no more.
Jesus also prayed. We read of countless times, Jesus separated himself from the crowds to pray. He would pray in the morning, pray on a mountain and pray in the wilderness. Prayer was apart of his daily life.
Jesus also studied the Old Testament Scriptures. He often quoted what he read. He taught in the Temple. His messages were based on Old Testament Scripture.
Jesus also loved the Church. The church was not a building. It was not a set of rules. It was and is the body of believers. The church, described in Acts 2, described Christ followers as devoted to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer. All of the believers were together and had everything in common. They would sell their possessions and goods to give to those in need. They spent their time praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.
Jesus’ life attested to his faith and relationship with His Father in heaven. He most definitely practiced religion, making him “religious”. Therefore, in order to be a Christian (or Christ follower), one must actually be religious.
My point is this, the term “Christian” is used too loosely today. It’s important we understand what we’re calling ourselves. If we truly understand the life of Jesus, Christianity and even the Church, perhaps being “religious” wouldn’t be such a bad thing.
P.S. If anyone would like to explain to me the difference of being “more spiritual than religious”, please do. I still don’t understand what that means…
