Some time ago, we began to examine the aphorism frequently heard in evangelical circles, “Christianity is not about religion, but about relationship.” Religion and Relationship – Why Seek the Living Among the Dead? We discovered that there is some truth in this claim; indeed, the wonder of Christianity is that human beings can enter into a personal relationship with the God who brought the universe into existence and sustains all things.
Consider the worship song Make Room, a tune which has become a popular choice among evangelical churches. The refrain goes like this: “Shake up the ground of all my tradition, break down the walls of all my religion.” It’s a prime example of the ubiquitous theme of seeking relationship while discarding religion.
It’s well worth stopping to pause and consider exactly what going on here. What do people mean when they use the word religion? And why would religion be like a wall that needs to be torn down?
We shall begin by repeating the definition offered before: a religion is a belief in a supernatural power (such as a god or gods) and a commitment to the worship and service of this power. Religions involve claims of ultimate reality; they offer an explanation for the existence of the cosmos and provide people with meaning and purpose.
There are several common elements found in most religions: (1) a set of beliefs or doctrines (2) sacred texts or scriptures (3) ritual practices such as prayer, fasting, meditation, etc., and (4) moral obligations.
It should be immediately clear that Christianity bears all the hallmarks of religion.
Let’s begin by considering the doctrines of Christianity. Doctrine is a fancy word which might give the impression of complexity. When you think about doctrine, you might envision cloistered religious scholars debating some profound matter. But doctrines are simply claims of truth. And every human being, whether they are “religious” or not, embraces certain doctrines, or truths about the world.
Christians affirm that “in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” In prior blogs, we noted how, less than a century ago, the vast majority of scientists believed that the universe was eternal and unchanging. The dramatic discoveries of the twentieth century now make it virtually certain that all matter and energy, and even space and time itself, burst into existence roughly 13.8 billion years ago. The field of modern cosmology is now remarkable well-aligned with the truth claims of the Bible.
Secular folks hold a very different doctrine; they soundly reject the Christian claim that the cosmos is the handiwork of a transcendent creator. They believe that the universe either popped into existence of its own accord or was the result of some inscrutable, impersonal forces.
Christianity also asserts that humanity is the apex of God’s creation. We have been fashioned in God’s image and entrusted with dominion over the earth so that the creation can flourish. But in order to fulfill our key role, humans must have right relationship with God. We must offer him proper worship and obedience.
Even this brief discussion ought to prove how misguided it is for people to claim that that Christianity is “about relationship, not religion.” People who make this assertion are eagerly sawing off the very branch they’re sitting on.
When Christians claim that humans have been created by God and are meant to live in right relationship with him, they’re making very straightforward truth claims. In other words, they are crafting doctrine! The practice of thinking through what is true about God, our world and ourselves, is an undeniably religious activity.
I would propose the following principle: people must embrace religion if they’re going to achieve right relationship.
This principle is nicely summarized in the book of Hebrews, which says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” In other words, right relationship (pleasing God and receiving his reward) is predicated upon clearly religious activities. These include adhering to correct doctrine (that God exists) and engaging in certain practices which amount to “seeking him.”
Let’s now address the second key element of religion: sacred texts. Once again, Christianity neatly fits the bill. From the very beginning, the scriptures have been foundational for the Christian faith. Of course, Christianity sprung from the fertile soil of Judaism, with its devotion to the Old Testament. To this was added the New Testament, a record of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, as well as the mission of the early church.
Jesus himself fully embraced the authority and reliability of the scriptures. In one memorable exchange, Jesus explicitly stated, “The scriptures cannot be broken.”
Importantly, the scriptural element of religion is inextricably intertwined with the doctrinal element of Christianity discussed above. The fundamental truth claims of Christianity are all derived from the Bible. We’ve already touched upon our understanding of God’s creation and our role as God’s image bearers, based upon the sacred texts in the book of Genesis.
God further revealed himself to Israel as the one true God, over against the many gods of Egypt. “Hear O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one.”
Of course, the full, final and normative revelation of God comes through the person of Jesus the Messiah. “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.”
In the book of Luke, the risen Christ conducts a Bible study for two travelers on the road to Emmaus. “And beginning with Moses and the prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the scriptures concerning himself.” This verse beautifully illustrates how the engagement of scripture is a vital ingredient for understanding the person of Jesus.
Tellingly, when Jesus wanted to reveal the meaning of his death and resurrection, he goes immediately to the scriptures. Jesus saw himself as the climax of the long story of God, creation and Israel. And if we are going to fully grasp the person and work of Jesus, we must immerse ourselves in this story too.
So once again, we see that religion is necessary for right relationship.
Finally, let’s consider one other crucial element of religion: moral obligations.
Without a doubt, moral obligations are central to Christian faith. Obedience is one of the great themes found throughout the scriptures.
The relationship that humans enjoyed with God in the garden of Eden depended upon their obedience. This comity was shattered when Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command and ate the fruit from the forbidden tree.
The same dynamic is reflected in God’s covenant with the children of Israel.
“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”
Note how the covenant relationship is indissolubly linked to Israel’s obedience. In other words, Israel’s love for God was specifically expressed through her adherence to his commands.
This same pattern continues all through the New Testament. Jesus told his disciples, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.”
Jesus’ brother James made the same connection: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James emphasizes that our acceptance by God hinges upon two explicitly religious tasks: (a) care for the vulnerable and (b) righteous conduct which avoids the stain of the sexual immorality, greed, & violence so prevalent in the world.
In conclusion, touting relationship with God apart from religion is nonsense. Right relationship with God absolutely requires religious practice. To pretend otherwise is misleading and potentially quite harmful.
God is delighted when people apply their minds to the development of correct doctrine. He is thrilled to see people dedicate themselves to the study of scripture and prayer. And he is overjoyed to see people obeying his commands. After all, God loves religion.
