Religion vs. Spirituality Continued

The most common misconception about religion is that Christianity is just another religion like Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, etc. Sadly, many who claim to be adherents of Christianity do practice Christianity as if it were a religion.

To many, Christianity is nothing more than a set of rules and rituals that a person has to observe in order to go to heaven after death. That is not true Christianity. True Christianity is not a religion; rather, it is having a right relationship with God by receiving Jesus Christ as the Savior-Messiah, by grace through faith.

Yes, Christianity does have “rituals” to observe (baptism and communion). Yes, Christianity does have “rules” to follow (do not murder, love one another, etc.). However, these rituals and rules are not the essence of Christianity. The rituals and rules of Christianity are the result of salvation. When we receive salvation through Jesus Christ, we are baptized as a proclamation of that faith. We observe communion in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice. We follow a list of do’s and don’ts out of love for God and gratitude for what He has done.

The most common misconception about spirituality is that there are many forms of spirituality, and all are equally valid. Meditating in unusual physical positions, communing with nature, seeking conversation with the spirit world, etc., may seem to be “spiritual,” but they are in fact false spirituality.

True spirituality is possessing the Holy Spirit of God as a result of receiving salvation through Jesus Christ. True spirituality is the fruit that the Holy Spirit produces in a person’s life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Spirituality is all about becoming more like God, who is spirit (John 4:24) and having our character conformed to His image (Romans 12:1-2).

Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of both religion and spirituality. Jesus is the One to whom we are accountable and to whom true religion points. Jesus is the One to whom we need to connect and the One to whom true spirituality points.

Be careful when you hear people saying things about being more spiritual than religious. What are they really saying? Find out what they think that means. As I said yesterday, word usage and understanding can be a slippery slope. Your definition and understanding of the words 'spiritual or religious' may be completely different than theirs.

'Spiritual' people may say they believe in God but is their God the same God of Abraham, Isaac and Joseph? Do they believe God is the Father of Jesus, a part of the Holy Trinity? You may run across someone whose god is the 'energy' of mother earth. I'm not making fun, that's a belief of someone I actually know.

You've heard me say many times that it is not enough to read (or hear) something and be able to take it as gospel. It is critical that we understand the meaning and context in which it was written and/or said by the author and intended for the reader. 

Ordering a biscuit in my town will get you a circular flaky pastry suitable for butter and jelly or gravy. Ordering a biscuit in England will get you a cookie. Same word, different meaning. This illustrates my point perfectly. Both words are in English but is the person doing the ordering from the U.S. or England? Context and understanding of the other person's thinking makes a difference. My cousin married a woman from England. I was visiting their home many years ago and she offered me a biscuit. It was late afternoon and I thought it was an odd time for a biscuit but I didn't want to be rude, so I said I'd take one. She brought out a plate of cookies. I learned a valuable lesson in communication that day.

Communication is a wonderful thing, it is an exchange of ideas and philosophies. Assumption of intent can be dangerous, destructive and deceiving. Talk, share ideas, get to know others beliefs. Just because they may different than your own does not mean you shouldn't interact with them. Who knows, maybe that's God opening doors of opportunity for future witnessing about your faith.